Case Study: The Rise of Slime Party and Putty Pals
For one entrepreneur, with the help of Sheffield based business advisory company Porterdale, a simple hobby transformed into a thriving business. Barnsley based Ruby Sheldon, the creative mind behind Slime Party and Putty Pals, started her business journey by making slime at home for her children. What began as a playful activity quickly evolved into a full-scale operation, catering to some of the UK's largest brands and events. This case study explores Ruby's entrepreneurial journey, the pivotal role of Porterdale's business support, and the remarkable growth of Slime Party and Putty Pals.
The Beginning of Slime Party and Putty Pals
Ruby Sheldon's venture into the world of slime began when her children developed an interest in the gooey, sensory play material. Unable to find any suitable slime products in the UK, Ruby took matters into her own hands, crafting homemade slime to satisfy her children's curiosity.
From Village Hall to Major Brands
Seeing the joy her creations brought to her children, Ruby decided to share the fun with others. She began hosting slime-making workshops in her local village hall in Barnsley, which quickly gained popularity. These workshops paved the way for Slime Party, a business dedicated to immersive and creative slime crafting events.
Ruby started promoting her slime workshops on Facebook. The response was overwhelming, leading to events and collaborations with high-profile brands such as River Island. Slime Party also partnered with renowned companies such as Ticketmaster, and the LadBible Group.
Steve Carroll and Lindsey Owen with Ruby Sheldon at the opening of the new premises
Challenges and the Need for Support
Everything was smooth sailing until COVID-19 disrupted events. Despite having to put Slime Party on the backburner, Ruby ingeniously pivoted to making slime-making kits and ventured into online sales. Delving into various recipes, she transitioned into manufacturing sensory putty. Finally, in 2022, she launched her range of sensory putties which evolved into the Putty Pals brand in January 2024, which is now the leading sensory putty brand in the UK.
As demand for Putty Pals products increased, Ruby faced significant challenges. She needed to transform the business for the needs of the biggest names in UK toy retail. Managing increased production, fulfilling large orders, and navigating the complexities of a growing business became daunting tasks. Ruby sought help from business experts and funders but found the experience challenging at times, as she struggled to find experts who understood her vision and the potential of her business.
Enter Porterdale: A Game-Changer for Putty Pals
Ruby's fortunes changed when she learned about Porterdale from her packaging designer. Known for their stellar reputation in helping businesses in the wider South Yorkshire region, Porterdale offered the expertise and support Ruby needed.
Personalised Business Support
Steve Carroll, the founder of Porterdale, along with Lindsey Owen, provided Ruby with comprehensive business support. They prepared a detailed cash flow forecast and helped her with strategic business planning. More importantly, they instilled confidence in Ruby, backing her vision with solid numbers.
Access to Funding and Growth
With a positive financial outlook, Steve and Lindsey introduced Ruby to potential funders, enabling her to secure the necessary resources to expand her business. Their guidance and support were instrumental in transforming Putty Pals into a major player in the toy and craft markets.
Remarkable Growth and Future Ambitions
Under Porterdale's mentorship, Putty Pals has achieved significant milestones. The business now operates from an ultra-modern factory in Barnsley employing 21 members of staff locally and boasts impressive revenue and profit margins. Ruby has expanded her product range, introducing characters like Cody Cactus and Lola Lemon, and is supplying markets across Europe and the Middle East. With ambitions to reach even more countries, Putty Pals is poised for continued success.
Porterdale’s Impact
Ruby reflects on her journey, saying, "It's fair to say that we wouldn't have the factory premises we have now without Steve and Lindsey." Her story is a testament to the transformative power of effective business support.
Celebrating the growth of a South Yorkshire business with the Mayor of Barnsley
Porterdale's Approach
Steve Carroll, the driving force behind Porterdale, is dedicated to alleviating the struggles of business owners. With over two decades of commercial experience, including roles such as Finance Director and Access to Finance Advisor, Steve brings supreme expertise to his clients. His commitment to helping businesses thrive is evident in his work with Putty Pals and numerous other enterprises in the Sheffield area.
Alongside Steve is Lindsey Owen, a financial controller providing ongoing business and financial insight and advice, supporting businesses every step of the way.
Steve's philosophy is simple: "We simply didn't want to see any more business owners having sleepless nights. We want to relieve business owners of the pain caused by not having the right information."
Conclusion
Ruby’s journey from a home-based slime maker to the owner of a global manufacturer, is an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship and resilience. With the right support from Porterdale, Ruby became instilled with the confidence she needed, overcame significant challenges and transformed her business into a thriving enterprise. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for other business owners, demonstrating the profound impact of personalised business support and strategic planning.
If you are a manufacturer or business owner looking for financial planning advice and funding, consider reaching out to Porterdale. Their approachable and down to earth style, expertise and dedication can help you achieve your business goals and unlock your full potential.
