A firm specialising in creating art trails and engaging communities has entered the next phase of its long-term growth plan by taking on a new unit and launching a new offering.
Making Trails has had an impact in towns and cities across the UK by creating bespoke art trails such as the current Burton Barrel Roll.
The business has already got two other trails booked in for next year and is becoming so busy that it has taken on an open-plan unit at Eccleshall Business Park less than half a mile away from its Russell Street headquarters in Burton upon Trent.
The unit, let by Rushton Hickman, will become a space for the firm’s creative operations as well as providing storage for a new range of sculptures.
Making Trails has launched its first hireable trail – a series of enormous hearts which are to be painted in a ‘love your high street’ theme and has already secured bookings for Spring next year.
Tilley Bancroft, owner of Making Trails, pictured above, said: “The new unit was needed to launch the next phase in our business, offering hire out/bring back trails.
“Sculptures from our bespoke art trails are usually auctioned off for charities, but this range is a different arm of the business which will come back to us at the end.
“We expect it to appeal to organisations with slightly lower budgets, but who still want to benefit from the increase in footfall that a trail can provide. These include Business Improvement Districts, shopping centres and outdoor attractions.”
Making Trails has been behind three trails in Burton upon Trent in recent years – Burton Swans, The Big Burton Carousel and the Burton Barrel Roll, which has seen 14 giant 3D barrel sculptures placed around the town for people to discover and runs until the middle of this month.
The local trails – as well as others elsewhere in the country – have helped to bring tens of thousands of visitors into town centres and other sites, supporting the local economy and instilling a sense of civic pride.
Tilley added: “Our clients come from up and down the country.
“Organisations recognise the importance of place marketing initiatives, and we help to draw in tourists and increase footfall.
“Our hireable trail already has bookings for Spring 2025 and we are in talks with a number of different people across the UK about more bespoke trails in the next 18 to 24 months.”
Making Trails has added two members of staff to its team in the past year and hopes to take on an apprentice soon.
- Anyone who has done the Burton Barrel Roll sculpture trail over the summer is encouraged to give their feedback using this link.
