A British market leader in remote-controlled toys and gadgets has signed up to a fifth office at a thriving business hub in Portsmouth.
Bladez Toyz Plc required the extra space at Portsmouth Technopole, a Business South member, due to continued strong retail demand from across the world.
Founded by Portsmouth born-and-bred entrepreneur Iain Morgan, 38, Bladez Toyz now employs 18 local people.
Iain, a former pupil of Mayfield School in Portsmouth, founded the design-and-distribution firm in 2008 following a £100,000 investment win on TV’s Tycoon, the brainchild of millionaire businessman Peter Jones of BBC Two Dragons’ Den fame.
Peter is a shareholder in Iain’s successful business – see here why Peter invested in what he described as a “fantastic product”, driven by Iain’s “entrepreneurial spirit”.
Bladez Toyz has been a permanent fixture at the 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) Technopole since the start-up firm began, taking additional serviced office space for each new growth phase.
Iain said: “The staff at the Technopole has been hugely supportive of our business over the past eight years and we’ve grown up together over the years as Bladez Toyz has expanded its popular range of radio-controlled toys and gadgets.
“A fifth office, all on one floor and open plan, means we are set for the next chapter of business development. Spring may be upon us but for the team at Bladez Toyz has one focus, Christmas, as high street retailers order far ahead for import reasons.”
Peter Outen, Technopole’s centre manager, said: “Iain has gradually and prudently flexed up the working space for Bladez Toyz over the past eight years. He’s done this without having to relocate, which can be costly, disruptive and time-consuming.
“Iain’s story is inspirational – we have brilliant British design and distribution in the heart of Portsmouth, generating local employment, driving research and development and creating other jobs through the regional supply chain, such as logistics, accountancy and legal services.”
Bladez Toyz Plc is an official Star Wars™, Universal and Disney licensee and is set to launch more characters from films throughout the year.
In addition to providing office space on flexible terms, the Technopole offers a range of practical innovation and growth support that encourages the development of start-ups, entrepreneurial and high-growth companies.
Run by Oxford Innovation, the UK’s leading operator of business and innovation centres, the Technopole currently accommodates 60 businesses, supporting 230 jobs.
It also provides shared offices, virtual offices and meeting rooms for hire.
The five-storey premises, by the M275 city gateway and recently acquired by the University of Portsmouth, provides flexible serviced office space for start-ups, early-stage firms and outsourced businesses, for one person to 50, along with meeting rooms for hire.
Virtual offices are also available with immediate set-up, which creates the impression of an established and prestigious address, with professional receptionists answering in your company’s name. The service includes mail handling and forwarding, plus usage of a conference room.
The Technopole is to build on the university’s existing portfolio of enterprise activity, which includes the Solent Growth Hub, the Future Solent Grants Programme and the development of Innovation Space and Cell Block Studios.
It also supports the Small Business Charter silver award, which was recently awarded to the University in recognition of its skill, commitment and promise in helping small and medium sized enterprises.
