Custom slides company grows during lockdown with help from Bristol Chamber

15th September 2021

Sliderfy based in Chew Magna in Somerset was set up by Director and Founder Jes Oliphant in 2019 after he graduated from university. After quitting his full-time job just before coronavirus hit, he started dedicating his time solely to Sliderfy in March 2020. 

The company sells custom sliders to mainly sports teams and businesses. Jes says the company’s USP is that they customise the sliders and see the strap as a blank canvas for different artwork which they offer for free.

Over the past year, even though sports have been restricted, the company has received 55 5* reviews on Google reviews and has made over £150,000. 

Jes said:

“Its so rewarding when you feel like things are working correctly and you see some of the unique designs being produced for customers. The feeling of creating something is really satisfying.”

However, he says that it’s important to acknowledge and accept the challenges in order to grow as a business:

“With clothing, sizing can become an issue and as a business owner you feel you must solve problems immediately when issues arise. 

“When you get emails at 6 or 7 in the evening, it can be difficult. You can’t just switch off like you can when you work a 9-5 job. This is all just part of the process of owning your own company, and it’s important not to get too disheartened.”

Jes said he has found the support of the Chamber and other businesses really useful and was recommended to join Bristol Chamber by the company’s Account Manager who mentioned that the chamber “was a good idea for multiple reasons including getting discounted business services as well as being able to attend networking events.”

“The thing about the Chamber I really like is how it is almost like a buffet for us where we can pick and choose the things we want. 

“I’ve recently worked with JournoLink through receiving an offer via the Chamber, so we have been doing a lot of PR and even got mentioned in The Times about a week ago. 

“I also signed up to The Alternative Board where I meet with business owners every month and talk through problems and find solutions. We received three free months of support and I’m now a paying customer.

“It has made me wise to the recurring problems in business and has helped me to realise that no business is perfect. Going to these meetings makes you understand that everyone has their own challenges and it’s been productive in helping to address our own challenges.

“I would definitely recommend joining the Chamber, it has help for everyone in every area of a business you might need advice on. As COVID restrictions lift, I’m really excited to attend some networking events to really make the most out of my membership.” 

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