Strand strides ahead with the WOW factor

AN architectural ironmongery and security products business has tapped into a Walsall-based initiative to develop and launch a new range of products.

Strand Hardware, which employs 14 people at its site on the town’s Premier Business Park, looked to the Winning Opportunities in Walsall (WOW) scheme to try and attract new customers.

The company, which has seen its products used at Wembley Stadium, on the London Underground and at Ferrari World, is sole UK distributor for the Athmer door seals and finger protectors and Antipanic emergency exit hardware brands.

These complement its own range of products, which include folding openers for windows, friction door stays and highline window gearing.

Catherine Franks, joint managing director, said: “Whilst this combination has seen us grow year on year, there is a lot of competition in our industry so we simply can’t stand still.

“There is a constant need to innovate and our technical team came up with initial thoughts around a new range of windows fittings which could be more contemporary in style.”

The company then turned to WOW for help developing the products.

Chris Davis, innovation change advisor for Walsall Borough Council’s wider Think Walsall business support programme, helped implement an action plan.

Then by applying to the Designing Demand programme, Strand was able to choose a design agency from a selected shortlist of specialists.

“We simply wouldn’t have known how to pitch our business idea without the support of WOW, yet now we can draw upon the skills and expertise of the Design Council… an unbelievable resource to have,” added Ms Franks.

“With this new found impetus, we should be able to launch the new range of products by late 2011 – a year ahead of schedule.”

The £300,000 WOW initiative will help 200 firms embrace innovation in a bid to remain globally competitive. Funded by Walsall Council and Walsall Partnership, the initiative offers specialist advice and support.

Further details on the scheme visit www.wowwalsall.co.uk