CREAT3D at number 72 on the Thames Valley SME 100 Growth 2021

The Business Magazine asked the CEOs and leaders of the Thames Valley SME 100 Growth listing, which celebrates the region’s high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises, to share their experience of managing a company in 2021. We asked Simon Chandler, the managing director of CREAT3D, the following three questions:

• What were your toughest challenges over the past year?
• What were your biggest wins?
• What are your wildest ambitions for the coming year?

CREAT3D is an Additive Manufacturing Solutions Provider, who works with manufacturing, engineering and design clients to advise and supply 3D printers. The company is a one-stop-shop for all things Additive, from the sale of 3D printers to the provision of ongoing support to its clients. This year, Wokingham-based CREAT3D reached number 72 on The Business Magazine’s annual Thames Valley SME 100 Growth index with an overall growth of 11.8% and a turnover, of 1.9% which is an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year.

What were your three toughest challenges over the past year?

Simon Chandler: I think our toughest challenges over the past year have been the same as other businesses: Covid-19 and Brexit. Both had a particularly negative impact on our supply chains and customers. Although, our clients that had localised manufacturing through using 3D printers in-house were able to negate these issues. 

Your biggest win?

Simon Chandler: Running a smooth operation, even remotely, that enabled us to maintain consistent supply and support to our manufacturing and engineering clients over the last year. Furthermore, it’s been great to be able to demonstrate how Additive Manufacturing really helps to overcome everyday manufacturing challenges of cost, performance and supply. In particular, a number of our clients were able to adapt their existing production processes using 3D printers to create new markets and products.

Your three wildest ambitions for the coming year?

Simon Chandler: Our big focus for the remainder of 2021 is continuing to expand our CREAT3D Team! We need passionate people to join our rapidly growing business.

CREAT3D is included in the Thames Valley SME100 Growth index for the second consecutive year.  To qualify for the listing, businesses need to be based in the Thames Valley, have a turnover of no less than £1 million and no more than £20m, and have grown their turnover significantly in the past year.

The 2021 edition of the list is sponsored by law firm Herrington Carmichael, commercial property consultants Hicks Baker and corporate finance advisers Wilson Partners.

Supporting partners are Laithwaites and Lamborghini.

All Thames Valley SME 100 Growth members are now invited to enter the nominations to this year’s awards, which will recognise outstanding achievements in six categories.