GDS provides forward-thinking new technical product design and business consultancy services to the entertainment, leisure and associated industries. The company also specialises in bespoke design and installation of high-end integrated control systems, ranging from residential to marine, offering both third party development and working for end clients.
Having impressed the judges and been crowned winners of the competition, GDS were given the opportunity to discuss their business plan over a private lunch to SWAIN director Philip Tellwright and Simon Woodroffe, founder of YO! Sushi and former resident of BBC's Dragon's Den.
"It was fantastic to meet Simon and to discuss what we're doing," said GDS director Matt Lloyd. "We come from similar backgrounds, both initially went into the theatre business, and have worked our way up through the ranks. It was a great opportunity and one we found extremely beneficial."
Launched in 2004 by Matt Lloyd and Richard Cuthbert (both formerly of Stage Electrics), their first year saw several huge successes including GDS's first new lighting product range, the Blues System, being installed in one of the nation's finest theatres, and the stand-alone success of the consultancy side to the company. GDS's next challenge however, was to sustain the impact it had made in the marketplace during its first year of business.
"With the experience Richard and I brought to the company, we felt sure we could achieve even greater success within this niche industry," said Lloyd. "However, we realised we could only achieve this through additional funding or borrowing."
GDS turned to Business West, which offers expert advice to companies in the West of England. A conversation with an advisor led GDS to SWAIN, a west country group connecting private investors, or angels, with small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in need of investment. They were informed of an opportunity being presented by SWAIN at B2B West, a regional networking event designed to fuel the growth plans of SMEs.
Companies were invited to post an application outlining why SWAIN should invite them to attend a one-day business workshop. Five companies chosen by SWAIN would be afforded the chance to hone their pitching skills and make them as attractive as possible to potential investors. One successful business - GDS - would then be invited to pitch to a team of SWAIN's investors, which included venture capitalists.
Competition judge and SWAIN director, Philip Tellwright, enthused: "As a relatively young team, Global Design Solutions impressed me as innovative, with impressive energy levels and great clarity of thought. Their approach is well structured within what appears to be a disparate market with high growth potential. It's invigorating to work with such a highly motivated and committed team and we're looking forward to supporting them over the coming months."
"Winning a place on the SWAIN workshop was important to GDS as we knew we would learn exactly what was required to negotiate with either banks or business angels and would therefore be ready to face investors if the opportunity presented itself," continued Matt Lloyd. "This is a massive step for GDS, as it will enable us to present established business leaders like Philip and Simon with our business plan. Not only are they in a position to offer sound commercial advice, they can also suggest potential investors who we can target for funding in order to grow our business."
The future looks strong for GDS, with major growth opportunities anticipated in both the consultancy and
