Wyre Forest conference firm thrives after business bookings

A Wyre Forest entrepreneur's conference firm is thriving following a surge in the number of businesses booking her facilities.

Stourport-based businesswoman Fay Hildred, who owns Wild Wood Rooms, a four-room meeting venue set just south of the Wyre Forest within Worcester Woods Country Park, has seen an unprecedented period of growth as the firm's owner takes on more staff to cope with demand.

In the past 12 months, the mother-of-two's firm has bucked the economic trend by doubling turnover, seeing a 55 per cent increase in customers and created two new apprentice jobs.

It opened in 2010 after a £250,000 investment from Mrs Hildred and hosts corporate meetings, training sessions and business conferences for between two and 40 people.

Mrs Hildred, aged 30, said she puts the firm's success down to the team's 'attention to detail' and their mission to provide a 'first class service' for every customer.

"When we opened in 2010 the country was in the grips of the recession but after a large, risky investment I was determined to make Wild Wood Rooms a success and give the area's conference market something different.

"I was also determined to go above what people expect of a meeting facility. So aside from superfast Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art technology, we also offer a full locally-sourced catering service, dedicated conference co-ordinators and flexible options to hire our facilities from only one hour up to a full day.

"These are the kind of services we have found are not only favoured by large firms, but some of our most regular clients are homeworkers who need a professional environment to hold meetings and impress clients.

This includes Wyre Forest firms who are happy to go that little bit further for a reliable service.

"The feedback and demand from customers has been exceptional. Looking back it has been a whirlwind two years with our second birthday just around the corner. I am so proud of what we've achieved so far," she said.

Mrs Hildred, a former nurse who also runs first aid training courses within the Wyre Forest and beyond, added:

"Our success is also down to selling ourselves as an accessible, easy-access facility.

"Ultimately I want us grow, bring onboard more staff and keep providing a first class service. It would be a dream to cement ourselves as the venue of choice both large and small businesses want to use time and time again.

"We're backing ourselves to win and hopefully do well enough to open up similar facilities across Worcestershire in the years ahead."

Businesses interested in speaking to Fay and her team at Wild Wood Rooms can telephone 01905 362 789 or e-mail fay@wildwoodrooms.co.uk