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CUSTOMER STORY


            THE PROBLEM                       THE GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
            Modular Wall Systems manufactures   Nick’s business was born from his own industrial technology innovation and
            a range of custom-made building   determination. However, to succeed further they required assistance and
            products including modular walls,   this is where the Growth Services element of the Australian Government’s
            fencing, high-tech sound          Entrepreneurs’ Programme came in.
            absorbing barriers and designer
            metal laminates.                                      “We know we have very good products

            The business had become successful                     and very good information but
 Disrupting established   and the products were gaining            sometimes it’s a bit like a jigsaw in a box –
            traction across the marketplace but
 building methods  the growth was largely organic. Nick            all the pieces are there but you need some
                                                                   help from outside to put it together.”
            felt he needed some assistance with
            a clear direction for the business.
            Nick recognised that to move into a   He believed by seeking qualified advice it would give Modular Wall Systems
            larger international market they first   another perspective on its operations and planned expansion into the United
 OVERVIEW   had to refine their marketing and   Kingdom and United States. It was Modular Wall Systems’ accountant that
            value proposition in the Australian
 Nick Holden is CEO of Modular Wall Systems, and he enjoys   CUSTOMER STORY  recommended the program to Nick.
 solving problems through innovation and determination.  marketplace.   The value of Growth Services for Modular Wall Systems was to help them

 Whilst renovating his house, his proposal to create a brick   MODULAR   The business proposition was a   validate their thinking and to bring new ideas and perspectives to the
 wall with a rendered finish was knocked backed by the local   WALL    very technical sell, but the company   opportunities that they were focussed on.
 council. It did not comply with their building standards. The   didn’t just sell walls; they sold a   Growth Services could also bring in financial support in the way of a business
 issue for the local council was that the wall did not have a   SYSTEMS   lifestyle to go with the walls and   growth grant, and then ongoing connections in terms of expertise, research
 continuous foundation.   they needed to create an emotional
            connection to the product.        and other opportunities.
 Rather than accept the outcome, Nick viewed the problem
 from another perspective. It was the material (bricks and
 necessary foundations) that was causing the issue for
 council, but there was no other material in the market that
 could provide a solution.
 Nick set out to create one. Utilising his engineering know-
 how, machines and tooling from the family business, he
 created a composite material that gave the appearance of
 rendered brick and satisfied council’s building requirements.
 Entrepreneurial spirit at its best.
 This product became the foundation of Modular Wall Systems.



  16  Department of Industry, Innovation and Science – Entrepreneurs’ Programme – Growth Services
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