Wolfenden’s expansion plans supported by unique productivity and innovation programme

Since acquiring Wolfenden Concrete 18 months ago, Richard Moody, managing director, has embarked on an ambitious growth plan for the company, developing new products such as the SUPA range for the agricultural sector and exploring new manufacturing techniques.

The scale of the company’s ambition was recognised through an invitation to participate in a unique Innovation Sprint Programme – delivered by academics at Edge Hill University and supported by Boost (Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub), the ERDF and Northern Powerhouse – a programme that Richard successfully completed last year and is now implementing.

Support from the Programme included intensive workshops with other high-growth, innovative Lancashire-based businesses, together with individual support from international experts in product, process and service innovation from the Productivity & Innovation Centre at Edge Hill University. To benefit both Wolfenden and their customers, Richard used the Programme support to help clarify potential investment opportunities by putting them through their paces, maximising the knowledge and experience within the company and using this to build a higher market share in the dairy sector.

With the support of the academic team, Richard was able to unpick the complexity of investing in new manufacturing techniques and to thoroughly review Wolfenden’s existing product ranges and business model. Providing the time to reflect on the business and to fully interrogate plans for growth, with input from academic experts and fellow business owners, the Programme helped Richard confirm the capacity and market for new product development – the SUPA range being the first of these – as well as helping to better understand the pain-points of Wolfenden’s customers.

Richard comments,
“At Wolfenden, we are used to working with academics as our customer base includes major university agricultural departments, so it was very interesting to hear from academics talking about our own business. Likewise, the discussions with other business owners – from a range of sectors – gave some good insights into how we all contribute to economic growth in Lancashire. The programme was challenging but extremely worthwhile and I am committed to implementing my plan to support my growth objectives to ensure Wolfenden develops the products our customers need and contributes to business growth in Lancashire.”

Read more about Wolfenden as an exemplar of innovative business growth support on the boost website