New enterprise Wyke Print Solutions has completed its biggest contract to date thanks to a famous old Dorset brewery and a business support service.
The fledgling company organised for two huge murals to be placed in the refurbished offices of Palmers Brewery in Bridport.
It is a contract that has given the new firm a real boost and its owner has credited WSX’s Driving Urban Enterprise project with helping him prosper.
The support service aims to help new businesses into profit by offering practical help and by running training courses and events.
Wyke Print Solutions (WPS), based in Weymouth, was formed by Kevin Swindell just over a year ago and works across all areas of design and print.
Kevin said WSX’s staff have helped guide him and have organised networking events and business clubs at which he has been a regular and where he has learned a great deal.
He said: “I worked in the print industry for 25 years before I was made redundant then set up on my own.
“I went to lots of networking events, but WSX’s were specifically for new businesses and so were able to provide lots of practical help for people in my position.
“I attend the ‘New in Business Club’ where like-minded people go and chat about things, and there are speakers who are very interesting.
“The murals for Palmers brewery are very big and I was able to offer advice about what would work best and then have them installed.
“My business is going well and I’d advise anyone starting out to get in touch with WSX to see if they can help.”
Christine Collins, an enterprise adviser from WSX, said: “Wyke Print Solutions is a wonderful success story and we’re delighted to have been able to assist Kevin.
“We run training and monthly club events and welcome interest from new businesses and those thinking of starting one. All our services are free.”
Wayne Causley, Palmers’ company surveyor, said: “Palmers are a long established company and we are very proud of our heritage.
“Within the office refurbishment we wanted to show some of our history, but in a modern way. The murals have achieved this fantastically well.
“They have been well received by staff and visitors and have become quite a talking point.
“We always try to work with local companies where possible and are very happy to have been involved with a start-up business such as WPS.”
Kevin worked with Nik Southorn, a designer from PGandP, chartered quantity surveyors and cost consultants, the company that oversaw the refurbishment of Palmers’ HQ.
WSX is supported with funding provided by the European Regional Development Fund, local authorities and private sector partners.
Ed Baker
