Our Story

Our Story: Built on Vision, Trust, and Innovation

Zip-Clip wasn’t born in a boardroom — it started around a kitchen table. From the beginning, it was fuelled by a shared vision, a bit of risk and a lot of belief, what began as a bold idea between two professionals from very different backgrounds has grown into a globally respected force in cable suspension systems.

Where it all began

Our journey into the world of engineered suspension systems didn’t follow a traditional route. Matt (Matthew Clay-Michael) spent his early years chasing corporate fraud, managing supply chains in India and Switzerland and gaining real-world, hands-on experience across multiple industries.

Then, over Christmas in the early 2000s, a conversation with a neighbour sparked something new. Inspired by that moment, we wanted to build something better — a product, a company, a future. Soon after, within six months, we had developed our first prototype: the PLUS System. Although it was ahead of its time, it set the foundation. Zip-Clip was born.

Meanwhile, Steve Goldsworthy came from a completely different side of the industry — sales. With over 30 years of commercial experience in construction, Steve knew how to take a product to market. At the time, he was running a sourcing business and quickly became our biggest customer.

Recognising a shared vision, Matt invited Steve to join Zip-Clip — first as a minor shareholder. Within two years, we became equal partners – and from that point on, the journey truly began.

The early days

In the beginning, the early days were built on relentless effort, limited budgets, and a lot of improvisation. Our first headquarters? A modest 3,500-square-foot unit that felt more like a garage than a global business hub. Our first assembly line? Matt’s living room.

Family pitched in wherever they could. Matt’s mum assembled springs. His wife fitted end caps. Matt handled quality control. Even the kids helped out, folding leaflets and mailing out what they called “Zip-Clip Extra.”

At the same time, we were balancing the chaos of a start-up with the challenges of raising young families. There were long nights, tight deadlines, and immense pressure – yet what kept everything together was trust. Trust in each other, in our product, and in the belief that Zip-Clip could become something greater.

Turning points & milestones

The game-changer came with the launch of our wire suspension system. With its patented design and unrivalled strength, it didn’t just compete — it set a new standard in the market. Our customers helped guide every innovation, and every new product we introduced solved a real-world problem.

As a result, Zip-Clip began to grow quickly, so did our team. We made key hires, brought on trusted advisors — including Jon Forster, our former bank manager turned partner — and received invaluable support from the Welsh Government. In 2017, we moved into our current head office: a major milestone that gave us the scale and credibility to grow internationally.

Today, we operate across continents, with offices in Australia, China, France, and beyond. We proudly hold the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Export and have secured exclusive agreements worldwide — including one with Prince Al Thani of Qatar.

Built on values, driven by people

At the heart of Zip-Clip is a culture built on innovation, inclusivity, and trust. From the start, we’ve placed people at the centre of everything — from our team to our customers to our suppliers.

In particular, we’re proud of our low staff turnover, of the long-term relationships we’ve nurtured, and of the way we do business: with integrity and consistency.

We remain solution-led. Engineering meets design in everything we do, and every challenge we face is an opportunity to improve. In fact, our product development team is one of our proudest assets – crafting bespoke, scalable solutions that serve global industries.

Looking ahead

That said, we don’t often stop to reflect — we’re always looking ahead.

Our goals are bold: to become the world’s largest OEM for cable suspension systems, increase export sales to 70% of turnover by 2027, and expand into fast-growing markets like India and the UAE.

At the same time, we’re focused on succession — bringing in the next generation and building a legacy that goes beyond us.

What we’re most proud of:

• Building a global business from scratch
• Over the years, earning international respect for the Zip-Clip name
• Receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise
• Consistently, being trusted industry partners for more than two decades

But above all, sustaining a friendship and partnership that has stood the test of time.

Zip-Clip is more than just a company – rather, it’s a story of resilience, teamwork and doing things the right way.

From humble beginnings, living-room assembly lines, to today, earning international acclaim – we’re proof that with the right people, big ideas and relentless belief, anything is possible.