Wild Creations in Cardiff is making its mark on world stage
Wild Creations, based in Cardiff, has produced large-scale props for global theme parks, film launches, and major events, including the famous Ball in the Wall at Cardiff Castle during the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 13ft smoke-flaring dragon at Caerphilly Castle.
Now exporting 90 per cent of its work, the company has built an international reputation with projects such as a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex for the launch of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and a replica Dodge Charger car for Fast and Furious 8.
Matt Wild, founder and director of Wild Creations, said: "Business Wales' support has been truly outstanding.
"Their dedication to helping both growing and new businesses thrive is incredibly inspiring.
"It's fantastic to see them championing success at every stage of the journey."
Backed by Welsh Government's Business Wales service, Wild Creations has created 36 high-quality jobs in the past year and continues to grow and recruit.
Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, recently visited the company to see its latest projects and meet other businesses supported by Business Wales.
The visit was organised by Business in Focus, the social enterprise delivering entrepreneurship and growth support services for Business Wales.
Ms Evans said: "We are eager to unlock new opportunities for businesses across Wales, whether that be to access finance, help them evolve as business leaders, or navigate challenges.
"Business Wales has helped businesses across Wales succeed – including Wild Creations – and our team stands ready to offer support at every stage of a business' journey."
Phil Jones, CEO of Business in Focus, said the company is proud to partner with Business Wales.
He said: "As the lead delivery partner for Business Wales, Business in Focus is proud to champion start-ups and growing enterprises across Wales, offering expert guidance and hands-on support to help businesses thrive, scale, and succeed."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
an hour ago
- Business News Wales
Number of Employee-Owned Businesses in Wales Nears 100
The number of employee-owned businesses in Wales is now approaching 100 – exceeding a Welsh Government pledge to get to 74 by 2026. The Welsh Government's Business Wales and Social Business Wales service offers specialist advice to support employee buy outs, with fully funded and bespoke help available to help business owners decide if employee ownership and share schemes are the right solution for their business. The number of employee-owned businesses in Wales now stands at 95, exceeding the Programme for Government commitment to double the number in Wales and reach 74 by 2026. Research shows that employee-owned businesses perform particularly strongly, with employees demonstrating greater engagement and commitment. The commercial benefits are also becoming increasingly popular with entrepreneurs creating new businesses to help attract and reward talented employees and drive business growth. One company to receive support is Cambrian Training Group, a leading provider of apprenticeship and vocational training across Wales. The Welshpool company, which marked 30 years of business by becoming employee owned earlier this year, was established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism to deliver vocational and hospitality skills as part of the development of the region's tourism sector. It now employs 65 staff and has expanded its work-based learning, skills and apprenticeship programmes into a range of other sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Arwyn Watkins OBE, of Cambrian Training Group, said: 'Securing Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) status is a significant step in our journey. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this move ensures that they have a direct stake in our continued success. 'The decision to move towards an EOT rather than opting for a trade sale was motivated by the desire to sustain the company's culture, values, and commitment to quality over the long term.' The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'By improving employee well-being and job satisfaction, the employee-ownership model plays a key part in strengthening the foundations on which every successful business is built. 'It's proven benefits include giving employees more control over their own destiny, and providing business owners with the peace of mind that that the future of their business is in safe hands, and that the future of their highly valued employees has been safeguarded in the community the business was fostered in. 'I urge more businesses to explore the benefits on offer via Business Wales and Social Business Wales, to ensure Wales-based companies remain in Welsh hands.'
Edinburgh Reporter
15 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Government pledges millions on sporting events and local sport
More than £900 million will be spent on major sporting events and grassroots sport in the UK which the UK Government says is part of its Plan for Change. Around half will be spent on the events and the rest on upgrading sports facilities which promote health and wellbeing. Work has already begun with government funding for new pitches, changing rooms, floodlights, solar panels and goalposts at clubs across the UK. The government hopes the strategic investment in sport will help economic growth by creating jobs and driving regional prosperity. This announcement is additional to the £100 million committed in March for local facilities and is also additional to the £8.6 million which the Culture Secretary pledged during her visit to Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club in March. Some of the newly announced funding is expected to be spent in Edinburgh where the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs 2027 will start off. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can – uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change. Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK. ' This investment is central to the Government's commitment to delivering major sporting events with pride and impact and stands alongside ongoing work with partners in the sport sector and across the UK. The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer's Women's Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women's and men's World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, and many other elite continental and world championships. Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:'This £900 million investment in sport represents a game-changing commitment to Scotland and the whole of the UK. From the spectacular sight of the Tour de France starting at Edinburgh Castle in 2027, to the roar of the crowds at Hampden Park during Euro 2028, we will continue Scotland's proud tradition of staging iconic sporting events. 'But this isn't just about elite sport and iconic moments. The £400 million for grassroots facilities means communities across Scotland will benefit from better pitches and sporting facilities, helping more people to get active, improve their wellbeing, and potentially discover the sporting talent of tomorrow. 'This investment delivers on our Plan for Change by breaking down barriers to opportunity, bringing communities together, and showcasing Scotland on the world stage. From local parks to global arenas, we're ensuring sport can thrive at every level.' The Official Announcement of the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs' was made in March at Edinburgh Castle (L to R) Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport,Lisa Nandy, Mark Cavendish, Christian Prudhomme and HRH Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh Picture by Allan McKenzie/ – Like this: Like Related
Rhyl Journal
15 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Major sporting events and grassroots sport to receive £900 million funding
Euro 2028, the European Athletics Championships next year and the men's and women's Tour de France Grand Departs in 2027 are among the key events set to be hosted in the country that will benefit from more than half a billion pounds in funding. At least £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities nationwide after the funding was outlined in last week's Spending Review, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said. England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be co-hosting Euro 2028, with the showpiece men's football tournament expected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value alone, the DCMS said. Other major events scheduled to be held in the UK include the women's Rugby World Cup in England this summer, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Invictus Games, founded by the Duke of Sussex, in Birmingham in 2027. Earlier this month, more than 100 athletes called on the Prime Minister to support a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. But the Government is yet to commit to the bid, but has not ruled it our either, with a spokesperson saying it was working with UK Sport to secure a series of major sporting events up until 2035. However, the DCMS confirmed that work was continuing to develop a bid for the UK to host the women's Fifa World Cup in 2035. Sporting bodies and local leaders for grassroots initiatives will work closely with the department to establish what each community needs before further plans are laid out. It said the investment will not only help create jobs and boost regional prosperity, but would also reduce barriers to opportunity and 'bring communities together through shared national moments'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can, uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our plan for change. 'Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.' The announcement comes after Ms Nandy previously pledged £100 million to upgrade sports facilities across the UK, including new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights, back in March. Nick Webborn, chairman of UK Sport, praised the new funding as having 'huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation'. He said: 'We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country's social fabric. 'We are really excited to be working with the Government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.' Stuart Andrew, the Conservative shadow culture secretary, said: 'Funding for major sporting events and grassroots sport is welcome – but the spending review was no boon for British sports. 'Rachel Reeves' tax hikes are forcing schools to sell playing fields and driving up business rates for stadiums. 'At the same time, Labour have scrapped the Opening Schools Facilities fund and the National Citizen Service – depriving young people of sporting opportunities. 'Labour must recognise that their economic mismanagement is dealing a devasting blow to the sports sector.'
