Get to know The Rocking Sheep Co.
At the foot of Harlech Castle in the Snowdonia National Park in beautiful North Wales, a unique flock of sheep are created. This is the base for The Rocking Sheep Company, run by Simon who crafts these beautiful sheep, that are so much more than a toy. We caught up with Simon to talk about how the company came to be;
'I’ve always loved working with my hands, fixing and creating things. I
pondered having my own workshop to make things for many years but didn’t
make the leap until I had a product to make. The idea came to me whilst living
in the heart of sheep country in N. Wales. Why hadn’t anyone really gone to
town on the idea of a Rocking Sheep?
With the help of a close neighbour we made a prototype Rocking Sheep which I
took to local business agencies and other crafts people for their opinion. The
response was really good so I decided to go for it. I put all my savings into
buying tools, designing a company logo and printing literature (all pre
internet!). I then booked up some events like The Royal Welsh Show, made a
small flock and off I went! I had a great response and attracted much media
attention. The Rocking Sheep Company was now launched....here goes...now
25 years later the designs have been constantly improved and refined. I
believe The Rocking Sheep Company is now the leader in the field.'
How has the business developed since you started?
'From marketing in a relatively small area we now have our details and
information translated into 5 European languages - Spanish, Dutch, French,
German and Italian.'
How long does a sheep take to craft, beginning to end?
'From order to delivery I usually ask for around two weeks to complete each
order. However, depending on availability, I can fast track orders if there’s an
imminent special occasion like a birthday. I make it a promise that if I say I’ll
deliver on time I will. This has only ever gone wrong once, it was a year when
there was deep snow in Scotland and the delivery driver, despite his best
efforts, just couldn’t get through the snow drifts!'
Where is the furthest your sheep have travelled?
'I have found homes for my sheep and lambs as far afield as Japan, America,
Bermuda, Dubai and Australia.'
Which is your most popular sheep?
'The most popular is the Ivory Fleece Rocking Lamb.'
Where do you source your materials?
'I only sourced materials in Britain and as locally as possible. 100% Made in
Britain from British materials.'
What's next for The Rocking Sheep Company?
'I want to carry on building The Rocking Sheep Company to be an iconic
Welsh brand that is known globally as the best in its class.'
What appeals to you about selling through STDAVIDS.WALES?
'Ever since the inception of The Rocking Sheep Company I’ve had an
environmental and ethical policy with Wales at its heart, this is perfectly
aligned with the core values of STDAVIDS.WALES.'