INTAGLIO Creative is making all the right connections.
They can count Lord's Cricket Ground, Arsenal FC and Manchester Grammar School as satisfied customers.
But it's the latest partnership with St Helens Rugby Club that owner Kevin O'Brien is most excited about as they help the club mark its 150th anniversary.
Here, in our latest Trader of the Week feature, Kevin O’Brien shares his vision for the business' future.
The talented team from left Sam Rome, Andy Hines, Dylan Greenough and Kevin O'Brien
What’s the name of the business?
Intaglio Creative
What’s the address?
Alexandra Park, St Helens
When did you open the business?
We started in 2014
On display at Manchester Grammar School
Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?
I’m from Ormskirk originally but I have lived in St Helens for 25 years.
Tell me a bit about your business. What do you do? What services do you provide?
We are a marketing business specialising in engraved personalised projects for donor recognition and fundraising. Working predominantly in sports and education, we have managed and installed fundraising schemes that display supporters’ messages across floors and walls using a variety of different materials. We have worked at some of the most iconic locations in the country including Anfield, Lords Cricket Ground and London Stadium.
Why did you decide to open your own business?
After a decade working in this industry, I had some creative ideas of my own and the desire to set up a business to achieve my vision.
Armoury Square outside The Armoury at Emirates Stadium (Arsenal Football Club / David Price)
What’s your business background?
I originally started out working in sales for a DIY company, dealing with home improvement businesses. This led me to engraving and material innovation and then onto personalisation projects.
Why this type of business?
There has been a continuing growth in demand for unique and personalised products across a variety of areas for some time and technology has made this more straightforward and economical. From personalised tiles for bathrooms and kitchens to plaques and floor stones capturing supporters’ dedication to their club, Intaglio has been a pioneer in this field.
Were you open before/during/after the Covid-19 pandemic? How did this affect your business?
In common with many other businesses, the first lockdown restrictions were an obstacle. However, we quickly bounced back to secure a huge project with Marylebone Cricket Club to deliver the Father Time Wall at Lord’s, which had subscribers from all over the world. We also used the lockdown periods to enable smaller clubs and venues to access this type of fundraising and we launched Fundit Now.
Father Time Wall at Lord's
What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?
We are the industry leaders and over the past 12 years we have worked with some of the biggest sporting venues, creating engraved fan walkways and feature walls at some of the most iconic locations. These projects have generated more £20 million in revenue for our clients and a strong sense of pride and belonging for their supporters. Our talented team has the experience and reliability to deliver a high-profile project that meets and exceeds our customers’ goals.
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Why do loyal customers return to your business?
We pride ourselves in creativity, experience and expertise.
The Wall of Legends at Surrey
What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?
We are really excited to be working close to home with St Helens RFC on the Saints Wall of Legends 150, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the club and recognising some of the greatest milestones over the years. Saints are a huge source of pride and inspiration for the town and it is a privilege to add the Totally Wicked Stadium to our portfolio of prestigious sporting venues.
If you want to appear in our Trader of the Week feature, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk
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