Silverlining Furniture in Wrexham is a world-leading company, which is well on the way to achieving its vision of becoming the most inspiring furniture brand of the 21st century, Economy Minister Ken Skates has said.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
When Silverlining moved to Wrexham from Cheshire in 2013 they employed 13 staff and has since gone from strength to strength. Now employing 76 staff, the business has seen a 50 per cent increase in staffing levels in the period between December 2016 - 18.
Founder Mark Boddington, said:
"Moving to Wales was a eureka moment for Silverlining and it coincided with our focus on investing in creativity and craftsmanship through technology and science to make market leading products.
“We have growth 25% plus for every year since moving to Wales – by investing in expensive technology, research science, skills and management training and exports markets. The Welsh Government has quite a number of excellent initiatives that we have benefited from such as a contributory grant for advanced technology, subsidised export market exploratory trips and training or advice – what’s great is you have an assigned case manager who really understands the business and is really an important stakeholder."
The company produces collectible luxury furniture for clients across the world, and is a leading exporter, with 98 per cent of its goods going overseas. During the last 12 months Silverlining were listed 61st in the UK and 2nd in Wales in the Sunday Times SME Export fast track 100 awards, and were awarded the Queens award for Enterprise – International Trade.
It has long term plans to expand further to 130 people including establishing an Academy to train future staff from across the world, and is awaiting the ending of the current uncertainty around how the UK will leave the EU before progressing further.
Ken Skates said:
“Silverlining is a world-class player at the very top of the luxury industry. They are committed to investing in staff development, and have a highly skilled workforce who are able to compete with confidence in the global market.
“The company raises the profile of Wales as a country that manufactures products of the highest quality.
“As with all Welsh businesses I know that the current uncertainty over Brexit is a concern for the company, because of the possible impact on exports and recruitment of staff. It is wholly unacceptable that businesses such as Silverlining continue to have to face the future with this uncertainty.
“I am absolutely committed to doing everything I can to support business with their preparations as we leave the EU. The Welsh Government will continue to take responsible proactive steps to plan and prepare including putting contingencies in place for a possible no deal.
“I share the concerns of Silverlining and all other Welsh businesses. We have consistently warned that a no deal Brexit poses significant risks to the Welsh economy, and threatens the progress we have made in creating jobs over recent years.
“Despite this uncertainty we took immediate action to mobilise resources and to build capability across government to respond to Brexit.
“Wales is proud of our trail blazing companies such as Silverlining and we will continue to work with them so they can continue to grow and flourish here.