As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Wonderworld Soft Play, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been far from child’s play. Operating a business with family and children at its core and with family connections, while rewarding, presents its own unique set of challenges. I want to share some valuable insights gleaned from a decade of running a successful business alongside family members and how these lessons have helped us grow into Scotland’s biggest soft play providers.
Operate with Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of any successful business, but in a family-run enterprise, it takes on an even greater significance. Trust is paramount, and it begins at home. From day one, we established a culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability within the business. This culture has fostered trust amongst our employees and customers. By staying true to our values, we have built a solid reputation that has served as the bedrock of our success.
Value Relationships
In the world of business, relationships are everything. We’ve found that by setting clear boundaries and emphasising open communication, we can nurture our business relationships and this approach has allowed us to build a strong, cohesive team dedicated to our common goals.
Focus on the Big Picture and Pay Attention to Details Along the Way
A business with family is often a labour of love, and it’s easy to become so engrossed in the day-to-day operations that you lose sight of the bigger picture. We’ve learned to keep our long-term vision in mind while simultaneously paying meticulous attention to the smallest details. This dual approach ensures that we not only meet immediate challenges head-on but also stay aligned with our overarching objectives. It’s a delicate balance, but one that has propelled our growth.
Keep Learning and Challenging Yourself
The business landscape is constantly evolving, and complacency can be a business’s worst enemy. To thrive in today’s competitive environment, continuous learning and self-improvement are non-negotiable. We are committed to staying updated with industry trends, personal and professional growth and this commitment has not only kept us relevant but has also sparked innovation within our organisation.
Innovate and Pivot
Flexibility is a key ingredient in the longevity of any business. Over the past decade, we’ve faced numerous unforeseen challenges, from economic downturns to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ability to innovate and pivot has been crucial to our survival. By embracing change and adapting swiftly, we’ve not only weathered storms but have also identified new opportunities that have expanded our brand presence across multiple locations in Scotland.
When we launched Wonderworld Soft Play a decade ago, we had just one location. Today, we have grown to encompass multiple brands across various cities, including Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Glasgow, Falkirk, Kirkcaldy, and Perth. This growth didn’t come without its fair share of trials and tribulations, but it’s a testament to the resilience of our business and our unwavering commitment to these core principles.
As we set our sights on the next decade, we know that the challenges won’t diminish, but neither will our determination to overcome them. By operating with integrity, valuing relationships, staying focused on the big picture, continually learning, and embracing innovation, we believe that any business can not only survive but thrive in the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.
Here’s to another ten years of Wonderworld Soft Play, where we will continue to create joyful memories for families while navigating the exciting, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey of running a business with our family connections.
By Narinder Singh Baryah, Managing Director