Warminster couple climb to success (From Wiltshire Times)

Warminster couple climb to success

3:30pm Sunday 29th November 2009

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A husband and wife team who run a climbing frame business near Warminster are celebrating after being crowned Wiltshire New Business of the Year 2009.

Michelle Williams, 32, and her husband Dan, 33, were due to have lunch with family this weekend to mark the success of their firm Monkee Puzzle, which is based in Sutton Veny.

The enterprise was launched after the couple saw a wooden climbing frame bought by a family member and realised they could do a better job, while still making a profit.

At the awards ceremony at Bowood Golf and Country Club the couple beat shortlisted businesses from 17 other Wiltshire towns for the title.

The competition was organised by the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce and sponsored by Wiltshire Council, the Wiltshire Times, Gazette & Herald, Business Link, HSBC, Corsham Print and BBC Radio Wiltshire.

Mr Williams, who has a career history in landscaping and carpentry and Mrs Williams, who is an accountant, have already sold 50 of the climbing frames, which come in three designs, since February, and are looking to double their turnover next year.

Mrs Williams said: “It was a total shock to win. We had very strong competition, so we didn’t hedge our bets. We are thrilled that they have seen the potential in our business that we think we have got.”

The couple, who are parents to 15-month-old Freya, and have been married for eight years, are planning to buy extra transport to help with deliveries with the £2,000 prize they won and the £1,000 they also netted for being finalists.

Mrs Williams said they were hugely supported and advised by family members, including both her and her husbands’ fathers, who are builders, and her sister, who runs a nursery in London and could help them with the development side of things.

Countywide the competition attracted entries from 80 new start-up businesses.

Joint runners-up were Brinkworth company Securatot, representing Wootton Bassett, and Devizes firm Eggcup clothing. In addition to the £1,000 that went to all town winners they also scooped an extra £500.

The fledgling companies were presented with their prizes by John Brady, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for economic development, planning and housing.

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