HOVIP - Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme

• Sole Traders
• Businesses with less than 20 employees
  • Case Study
• Businesses with more than 20 employees
• Social Enterprise Business

Testimonials

"I would recommend the Creativity and Innovation training to the whole of WMS as it is a fantastic learning experience and one not to be missed."

Kelly Hughes, Sales, Williams Medical Supplies plc

SMEs less than 20 Employees Case Studies

1. Creative Innovations (3 employees)

   Challenges

   • Refocus marketing
   • Generate retail sales
   • Turn overseas enquiries (e.g. 30 per month from the USA) into orders

   Progress

   • Produced the trophies for the HoV Innovation Awards
   • Generated two new orders worth over £1000 in less than one month after attending a HOVIP workshop
   • Signposted the business to the new Merthyr contact for International Business Wales and Creative Innovations have now signed on to the Export Assist Programme to help with their overseas strategy
   • Helen Murdoch, from the HOVIP team, is helping to develop a domestic marketing strategy

   Workshop feedback

   "This is a totally unique and easily understood event that has given me a better understanding of how to market my business."

   Phil Hodgson, Owner

2. Design and Manufacture Ltd. (22 employees)

   Challenges

   • To improve our ability to generate repeat business

   Progress

   • Generated ideas to introduce a customer feedback process, capturing customer testimonials and a deeper analysis of the most profitable products
   • HOVIP brokered a meeting with the Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks to investigate ways of obtaining a bigger slice of Welsh Public Sector spending. This resulted in recommendations to produce tailored marketing literature, a presentation designed for Procurement officials and improved targeting of communications.
   • Referred HOVIP to three other SMEs

   Workshop feedback

   "The workshop was worth the expenditure. It has helped me to re-assess my customer base and re-direct my effort. I would recommend attendance."

   Phil Corke, Managing Director

3. My Little Angel (2 employees)

   Challenges

   • Raise the profile and grow this newly established business

   Progress

   • Generated 4 new contracts worth £3600 as result of exhibiting at the HoV Innovation Awards and Market Place Event
   • Noted the following after attending the latter event: "The HoV Innovation Awards help to promote business in the area to ensure that we continue to attract recognition and support. My Little Angel will certainly be entering next year as there is nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain"
   • Attended a HOVIP workshop and as a result obtained a copy of the customer feedback form developed for Regan Construction Services
   • HOVIP team included a reference to the business in the new Merthyr Business Magazine

   Workshop feedback

   "This workshop is value for money and I would recommend it to any new or existing business. You think you know it all but when you attend this event it opens your eyes to new ideas and possibilities. It is inspiring and encouraging."

   Emma Jones, Owner

4. Regan Construction Services (2 employees)

   Challenges

   • To raise the regional profile of the business
   • To continue to make a profit
   • To ensure that the order book is consistently full for the following 6 months

   Progress

   • Increased turnover by 20% (£5000) as a direct result of HOVIP
   • Developed new business relationships with related organisations (e.g. Leekes and Tricketts) to provide value added services
   • Investigating the potential of a commission-based sales force, a customer referral fee and more customer-friendly quotation process
   • Developed and implemented a customer feedback form (a unique selling point for this sector). The first form given to a customer resulted in all aspects of the job being rated as 'excellent' and the customer offering the following testimonial:

     "Anyone using Regan's services would get value for money and excellent workmanship. I would have no hesitation in having you back again and telling other people about you."

     T. Powell

   • "The HOV Awards and Marketplace Event was an interesting and inspiring experience [the first time I have exhibited our services] and an excellent opportunity to showcase my business an meet like minded people," said Michael Regan (Owner)
   • One of the sponsors of the Merthyr Tydfil College Barnardo's Green Paper Clip challenge to encourage enterprise amongst students

   Workshop feedback

   "This workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques and new ideas and apply them to your business."

   Michael Regan, Owner