Business Startup

Former nurse Joanne Guite created ‘Trotters ‘n’ Pooche’, a quirky range of personalised artwork, cards and decorative animals, in 2008 as part of her final degree show at Blackburn College, where she studied and gained a first class BA (Hons) degree in Contemporary Textiles. Following positive feedback and the desire to work flexibly, she decided to turn the collection into a business.

With no commercial experience, Joanne turned to Bolton Business Venture (BBV) for help and support in establishing Trotters ‘n’ Pooche as a part time business.

Joanne, 48, says: “I really didn’t have much experience at all in business and wasn’t familiar with a lot of the areas that many people can take for granted such as taxation and book keeping or the importance of marketing in helping to raise awareness and sell my products. Bolton Business Venture (BBV)’s guidance has been invaluable and its support also enabled me to prioritise my business needs , which made the whole process of setting up and launching ‘Trotters ‘n’ Pooche’ in September 2009 a lot smoother.”

Her unique designs of animals are created through an eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage materials such as haberdashery and wire, which can be purchased via her website: www.trottersnpooche.com and from a number of shops and galleries throughout the North West, including The Platform Gallery in Clitheroe, The Edge Gallery in Lancaster, Turnpike Gallery in Leigh and Heskin Hall Farmers’ Market and Craft Centre.

Since launching the quirky world of Trotters 'n' Pooche, Joanne has received exceptional feedback from her exhibitions at events. Currently evolving and expanding her collection with more decorative creatures, as well as collaged pictures and wall hangings, Joanne also enjoys customising her creations for customers upon request.

Joanne adds:” Setting up my own business has been hard work, and at times it’s really challenging, especially making important decisions about money and trying to predicting sales and trends can sometimes feel a little overwhelming.

“As the sole designer and creator of my collection I also have to manage my time very efficiently to make sure I’m up-to-speed and on time with orders. Even with all the challenges, I really do enjoy it and I’m incredibly proud of my creations – every one of them is hand-made and individual.

“Another benefit of having my own business is that I have the complete freedom to work as and when suits me and being able to develop my own designs without other people’s direction or input is a blessing.”

Going forward, Joanne wants to further expand her collection and establish more outlets to sell her product range.

She continues: “I’m committed to the success of my business, and I know that if I do need any additional help or support, I can turn to Bolton Business Venture (BBV) as they will help me in any way that they can.

“I would highly recommend Bolton Business Venture (BBV) to people out there who are thinking about starting up their own business as the process of setting up can be daunting. But with the help and support available, through such service providers as Bolton Business Venture (BBV), it doesn’t have to be.”