Award-winning Merseyside branding firm Wild Thang will celebrate 30 years of growth with a major ESG innovation expo in Liverpool, bringing together clients, partners, and industry leaders. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside marketing specialist and manufacturer Wild Thang has grown from a small back office operation 30 years ago to an international business.

And Bootle-based Wild Thang, which supplies branded merchandise to blue chip customers such as McDonald’s, Paddy Power, Sony and Formula One will celebrate the milestone with a major ESG innovation expo taking place in Liverpool city centre in the next few days.

It will bring together business leaders, innovators, and sustainability pioneers to explore the future of creative branded clothing, merchandise, and print and will take place on Thursday, March 26, at the Hilton Hotel at Liverpool ONE.

In the last few years Wild Thang has invested well over £2m in upgrading its Bootle headquarters and manufacturing base, expanding the space and adding solar panels to the roof to power the business sustainably.

In tandem with that, founder and managing director Andrew Dwerryhouse and his team have turned Wild Thang into an international company. It now operates both in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland and also has a base in New Jersey in the US.

Its landmark industry event, the Wild Thang 30th Anniversary ESG, Product & Tech Revolution Expo, will not only promote the business but will also look to drive positive impact, sustainability, and responsible growth.

Founded in 1996 with support from the Prince’s Trust (now the King’s Trust), Wild Thang has grown from a small local start-up into an internationally recognised, award-winning business.

It delivers “one world-class solution” for branded clothing, merchandise, and print, all built on strong values of sustainability, creativity, and community. It is now a registered B Corp firm, a widely recognised mark of sustainability.

More than an anniversary celebration, the company believes this event is one of the first of its kind within the industry, showcasing what truly responsible, future-focused branding can look like while celebrating three decades of innovation and progress.

Visitors will experience an immersive exhibition featuring thousands of innovative and more sustainable products, alongside the launch of new technology, on-demand services and digital solutions

These are all designed to help organisations improve efficiency, reduce supply chain risk, and enhance brand impact.

Taking place during B Corp Month, the event reflects Wild Thang’s commitment as a certified B Corporation to using business as a force for good.

It will feature a strong line-up of speakers and contributors from across business, sustainability, education, and industry bodies. Confirmed speakers include: 

• Andrew Dwerryhouse, managing director, Wild Thang
• Sarah Howarth, commercial director, Wild Thang
• Carrie Dwerryhouse, ESG manager, Wild Thang
• Paul Cherpeau, chief executive, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
• Phil Goodman, chief executive, British Promotional Merchandise Association
• Martin Borley, chief executive,, STAHLS’ EMEA
• Andrew Borland, Novel / VEC / Liverpool University
• Gary Layzell, ambassador, Stanley/Stella
• David Connor and Stephen Sykes
• Dr Garth Dallas and Claire Dallas, Good Small Business Awards / Dallas Consulting
• Greg Macoy, Hunter & Campbell
• Karl Clawley, Momentum Group
• Leon Carroll, delivery manager, King’s Trust
• Jo Henney, chief executive,, Nugent
• Paul Winter, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity

Andrew Dwerryhouse said: “Reaching these 30 years in business is an incredible milestone but the celebration had to be much more than an anniversary party.

“I am hugely proud personally, as founder, to have the ability to deliver this inaugural ESG, Product & Tech Revolution Expo as part of our special celebrations.

“But I will be the first to say it has all only been made possible as a family business and because of the amazing team we have in place. 

“It has been a ‘Wild’ journey from what started as a micro business supported by the Prince’s Trust (now the King’s Trust), has grown into an industry leading business serving organisations across the UK and internationally as their trusted branding partner.”

Read the Wild Thang 30th anniversary blog

Watch a video showing the Wild Thang operation

The Wild Thang ESG, Product & Tech Revolution Expo will feature a full programme of activity, including the Good Business ESG Revolution Conference, with expert speakers sharing insights into responsible supply chains, sustainable innovation, and the future of ethical branding.

Event highlights include the Good Business ESG Revolution Conference featuring expert speakers, an exhibition showcasing thousands of innovative, sustainable and ethically sourced products and the launch of new technology, on-demand and digital branding services.

There will also be networking opportunities with industry peers, clients and partners, breakfast, lunch and refreshments provided throughout the day and a limited-edition 30th Anniversary lower-eco impact goody bag

It will also spotlight and support key charities, including the King’s Trust, Nugent and Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, reinforcing Wild Thang’s commitment to community and social impact.

Partners include Liverpool and Manchester Chambers of Commerce, DIB, BITA, Inside Media, Liverpool Business News, MSP and The Guide Liverpool, who will also help capture and share content from the day.

The morning session will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm and after lunch will run from 1.30pm to 4pm. For more information or to register interest email Ca****@**********co.uk