Great British Business Continues Rapid Growth after International Expansion.

Lincoln Based Plum Play’s Innovation and Active Play Solutions Lead to Global Sales Boom

Plum Play was founded by Jonathan and Diane Schaffer in 1988, they balanced their time running a successful family business and enjoying their three young children. They knew by keeping their children active their imaginations would run wild. Today, their son Paul is the Managing Director of Plum Play and successfully leads the brand’s drive to create new fans across the world. From trampolines to sandpits, treehouses to scooters, Plum offers them all, in a fun, vibrant, and active way.

(Above: The innovative Bowl Freebound Trampoline, £1500 from PlumPlay.co.uk which allows dynamic movements and freestyle play)

Lincoln-based Plum Play has recently entered the US market with great results showing that even with Covid-19 and Brexit, brands can thrive. The company is estimated to turn over more than £50m in the next few years alone. “The most important thing is ensuring all of our products are of the highest safety and quality. If we keep our customers happy, they come back.” Says Paul Schaffer. Plum now trades in over 40 countries.

Paul Schaffer’s continued confidence and strategic excellence have helped Plum achieve record growth. Plum is focused on creating awe-inspiring active play solutions that are innovative, exciting and allow children to enjoy outside, whatever the weather.

(Above: The Discovery Mud Pie Kitchen, £269.99 from PlumPlay.co.uk Is perfect from little green fingers and made from FSC certified wood).

Not all Managing Directors can say they have worked their way up through the business. Paul Schaffer grew up watching his parents build a little empire. From an early age, he was picking screws, lifting, folding leaflets, and packing boxes for his family’s successful company.

(Above: The Lookout Tower Wooden Play Centre with Slide and Swings, £679.99 from PlumPlay.co.uk, Is great for family and friends, climb, slide or swing the set has plenty to explore).

After studying in Sydney, Australia, Paul landed a job at Ernst Young where he put his analytical and accountancy skills to the test. Paul excelled but had ambitions to return to Plum. In 2015 he returned as General Manager and quickly moved to Commercial Director and finally taking the helm as the Managing Director in 2019. Paul is fascinated with how business works and is always keen to know as much about his business as he can, “If you look after the little bits in a business, they soon add up to be big bits.”

(Above: The Plum Boat House Wooden Playhouse – Teal, £649.99 from PlumPlay.co.uk Is ideal for play all year round, encouraging exploring through role-play).

Paul’s attitude is all about hard work whilst encouraging his staff to improve “You can lead, manage but ultimately it is what you and your staff have in them to succeed that matters. If you have pride it shows, you work hard and ultimately succeed, it can’t and won’t come by itself.” It is this analytical approach and attention to detail that has makes Plum a great British success story in the UK and internationally.

Lockdowns have been a shock to the industry but under Paul’s leadership, Plum continued to increase sales. “People have been stuck at home, they know they have to keep their children active and our trampolines, climbing frames, and treehouses are the perfect fit”.

(Above: Colours By Plum Springsafe 10ft Gold Trampoline, £299.99 from PlumPlay.co.uk, Perfect for burning energy, bouncing, jumps, and flips).

Paul recently joined the SME council. He is keen to support businesses when he can. Paul’s commitment to creating high-quality and innovative products will continue to help his family business stay at the top of its game for years to come.

Plum Play www.plumplay.co.uk