News

Michelle Dyer

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

“Munkimooh! baby baby”

After contacting Business Link, Michelle was referred to Enterprise4All for their free Intensive Start-Up Support programme funded by the Northwest Development Agency.

Her idea was to set up a business selling self-help and information products (CD’s, DVD’s, manuals, digital downloads etc) online. The main start-up cost would be setting up an ecommerce website, but as a lone parent with a pre-school toddler, money was tight and Michelle had only a small amount in savings.

Unfortunately she wasn’t able to access a start-up loan and it looked as if her dream of setting up a business from home wasn’t going to happen. As Michelle said:-

“Working from home will give me the flexibility of working the hours I want to work, and the potential to generate enough income to be financially independent and not having to rely on State benefit. It also gives me the opportunity to enjoy a quality lifestyle for myself and my daughter, and for me to create a good role model for my daughter. But most importantly it’s the job satisfaction, self esteem and being able to say I did this!”

But then E4All referred her to “Passport To Enterprise” – a business start-up course specifically aimed at lone parents and people with health issues. Over a period of thirteen weeks, one day a week, the course would cover all of the aspects necessary to ensure that her business got off the ground successfully. Once Michelle started trading she would be entitled to a £500 grant and a further £250 grant after thirteen weeks of trading. Not only that, it even covered all her travel and child care costs.

During the course, Michelle was able to clarify her business model. She decided to create two strands to the business:-“ Munkimooh! baby baby” which will focus on information products for parents and children such as confident kids, home schooling, and smart parenting, and a second strand “Michelle Dyer Publishing” which will sell a wide range of information products.

To celebrate the end of the “Passport To Enterprise” course all the delegates were asked to present their business idea to a panel (including the local MP), and the best would win a laptop. Michelle won:-

“I’m delighted, my old laptop’s on it’s last legs, this is great. I’ve started trading and made my first few sales already. It’s all down to me now, but without the support I received from E4All and the business start-up course, it would all still be just a dream.”

Run-it

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

William Buckley

William Buckley has long held a desire to be self employed and after starting a small web design business he found the market was too competitive and knew he needed to find an exit strategy which turned out to be Run-IT (http://www.run-it.co.uk).

‘The opportunity really just presented itself, all 3 of my daughters run competitively for Preston Harriers and there is a particular running shop which we used. The owner knew of my web design background and asked me to create a website for him, when I asked him why he wanted the website he replied that he was looking to sell the business. This was the new opportunity I was looking for’.

Even though I had been in business previously I knew I needed help from the outset, I had already gained some knowledge on writing a business plan from a Business Link guide, but I wanted the opportunity to sit down and discuss my ideas with an advisor. I needed to know that my idea was feasible and speaking to Business Venture Group (BVG) really helped me with this. ‘The biggest advantage of receiving this support is it allowed me to create a very strong and well structured business plan which enabled me to get an unsecured loan from my bank’, said William.

I also took advantage of a number of courses provided by BVG on marketing, sales techniques, PR, Head for Business and the Step by Step course. The biggest advantage of receiving this support is it allowed me to create a very strong and well structured business plan which enabled me to get an unsecured loan from my bank. I am also researching other sources of funding and am currently applying for a Kickstart Loan.

So what does William plan for the future of Run-IT? ‘There are some really exciting changes ahead. We are currently concentrating on 3 main strands of the business, firstly and most importantly we sell running shoes, secondly we sell sports clothing and we are looking to expand this into other sports such as swimwear. I am also excited about the potential of supplying sports clubs with their kit under the brand ‘Club Clobber’. Finally following my web design background I would like the shop to have a big online presence to maximise our exposure. Other plans for the future include taking on more staff and also moving shop premises to a more visible location.

On a personal level William feels the satisfaction of seeing his dream become a reality ‘it may not have turned out exactly the way I planned it in my mind’s eye, but to see all your hard work and effort turn into a great business really does feel good. If anybody is thinking of starting a business I would absolutely recommend BVG as there is a vast pool of information and resources available through them.

If you would like to find out more about William’s business he can be contacted on 07976 320587 or by visiting his web site www.run-it.co.uk.

Lyndsey Meredith

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Meredith Consultancy Services

WHEN Lyndsey Meredith was made redundant it was just a matter of time before she took the steps to become her own boss and now she says ‘there is no going back.’

At 26-years-old the Sociology graduate, who now runs her own recruitment consultancy, Meredith Consultancy Services is delighted with her new venture which she officially launched on 1st June, making substantial profits in just her first month.

“I am very focussed and keen to do well” said Lyndsey, who formally worked as a branch manager for Reed, “already I am in-undated with clients looking for work and have got a lot of businesses on my books.”

Having worked in Stockport since graduating from Manchester University Lyndsey has already built up good contacts in the area which she says is helping immensely with her new business.

She now offers her recruitment consultancy services throughout Stockport, Cheshire and the North West, across numerous sectors such as HR, accounts, administration, IT and many more.

She said; “Previously I worked as a branch manager and was managing a team of seven. Now that I run my own business I get to do all aspects of the job including management and recruitment. I am thoroughly enjoying being my own boss and can’t ever imagine returning to employment again.”

After being made redundant from Reed, Lyndsey moved on to work for a small recruitment agency in Stockport – but left in April this year to start up the business.

“It’s been a busy few months” said Lyndsey, “I left my job in April and then got married in May and went on my honeymoon. Since then I have been doing everything to make a success of my business including advertising, cold calling, sales and the hard work has really paid off.”

Prior to starting up her business Lyndsey came along to Train 2000 after a former colleague, who had also become self-employed, recommended the organisation to her.

Lyndsey received free help and advice from Train 2000 under the business start-up programme.

“Train 2000 really was a great help to me” said Lyndsey, “although I had previously put together business plans in my jobs, I had a lot of questions about the financial side of running my own business and my adviser really helped me with this.

“I also went on the Tax and NI course which Train 2000 runs and this really did teach me a lot.”

Lyndsey says it is nice to know that there is always somewhere to turn if she needs a question answering and she has also attended a number of networking events with Train 2000.

Lyndsey has great plans to move her business forward and by the end of the year hopes to take on two new members of staff.

If you would like to find out more about Meredith Consultancy Services please email Lyndsey at info@meredithcs.co.uk or visit her website at http://www.meredithcs.co.uk.

And, if you are interested in finding out more about the free business support services being offered to women in the Stockport area please visit www.train2000.org.uk

Sally Carr

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Slimming World Franchise

WHEN former accounts clerk Sally Carr saw an advert in her local newspaper to open up a Slimming World franchise it gave her just the opportunity she was looking for to start up her own business.

“Since having my little girl I had been working fulltime” said Sally, “and putting her in nursery was a complete nightmare, she was crying all the time and I was just going through the motions of being in work, so I knew that I needed to do something different.”

And that’s when Sally took the plunge to become her own boss.

“I never thought I would get the funding for it” she said, “so when I did I was absolutely delighted. I love what I do now and it has made such a difference to my life. I have got the best of both worlds, I can enjoy time with my daughter, but I can still go to work.”

Sally, who is from the Knowsley area, said she was particularly keen to open up a Slimming World franchise because having gained weight during her pregnancy herself, she knew how difficult it was to diet and felt she could empathize with her members.

She said: “Because I have been through this process myself, I felt that I was in a much better position to advise my members and they seem very comfortable knowing they are talking to someone who has faced the same difficulties they have.”

As well as having a two-year-old daughter Paige, Sally is now pregnant with her second child and says now that she is her own boss it will be much easier to return to work.

“I run two classes” said Sally, one on a Wednesday evening and one on Saturday mornings, so even with two children this will much easier to manage.”

Once 30-year-old Sally made the decision to start up her own business she came along to Train 2000 for free help and advice under the business start-up programme. “I had never heard of Train 2000 before” added Sally, but I saw an advert in the Kirkby Extra and decided to go along.

“I had never put a business plan together before and I really couldn’t have done it without my adviser Amanda, she was brilliant and really easy to talk to.”

Sally runs classes at Christchurch in Bootle at 10am every Saturday and the County Methodist Church on Ludlow Avenue, off County Road each Wednesday at 6pm. Classes are currently well attended but as Sally says ‘there’s always room for more’. To find out more about Slimming World or to book your place in one of Sally’s classes please call her on 07952 237 279.

Geoff Ashton

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Four Seasons Garden Services

Confident Kids Home Tuition

A school teacher who had a passion for horticulture uprooted and left his full time job to pursue running his own green fingered business in Wigan is celebrating a blooming first quarter of trading.

Geoff Ashton, aged 41, launched Four Seasons Garden Services; a mobile horticulture service business based in Wigan in January and also set up a second business, Confident Kids Home Tuition, offering specialised one to one tuition to children aged seven to eleven.

Geoff Ashton had been teaching at Brook Lodge Community Primary School in St Helens for more than 16 years, becoming the junior department and special needs manager. After constant changes to the curriculum and pressure to meet targets Geoff decided in November 2009 to leave his secure full time role and resigned from the school within a week.

“I am definitely not a spontaneous person but the red tape attached to my teaching career was hindering me professionally and mentally,” he said. “I got up one day and just decided ‘now or never’ and handed in my resignation.”

Within a week of resigning Geoff decided to capitalise on his part time hobby, gardening.

I had always been a keen gardener and after leaving my teaching role in such a spontaneous way, I needed to act fast to secure an income!” he said. “I had been gardening for 15 years and wanted to put the skills I had learned into a business idea.”

Geoff was referred to business support agency Blue Orchid by Wigan Chamber of Commerce. Blue Orchid has helped Geoff to develop his business ideas.

“Blue Orchid has given me invaluable advice and training to help me set up my gardening and tuition businesses,” he said. “My advisor Martin Dobb helped me to shape my business plans and gave me confidence that my business ideas would succeed. Martin also helped me with vital areas such as budget projection, banking, loans and grants.”

Geoff said his advisor Martin helped him to submit an application to Wigan Council, which helped him to secure a £2000 grant. Alongside personal savings this has allowed Geoff to buy the equipment he needed to start his mobile garden service business including an estate car, trailer and garden equipment such as a professional lawn mower.

“Blue Orchid really gave me the support I needed to succeed with my business ideas,” he said. “My gardening business is growing steadily; alongside my call out work I now have several customers on retainers. The home tuition has allowed me to make use of my past career but on my own terms. Blue Orchid has helped me to plan and develop my business and I intend to carry on working with Martin and attend further training about income tax.”

For more information on Four Seasons Garden Services visit: www.4seasonsgardenservices.co.uk and for more information on Confident Kids Home Tuition visit: www.confidentkidshometuition.co.uk

Athena Hall

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Athena Hall Bookkeeping

IN the past few months the life of Athena Hall really has changed dramatically – not only has she made the move from Salisbury to Stockport but she has also started working again after a 19 year break.

“I really am starting a new life here in Stockport” said Athena “a new town and a new business all in the space of a couple of months, but I am really excited about the challenges that lay ahead.”

50-year-old Athena opened up her business Athena Hall Bookkeeping just weeks ago and is working tirelessly to publicise and promote her business through networking and marketing.

She said: “Although it’s in the very early stages, I am really enjoying working for myself,” said Athena, “After all these years of being out of employment, I just wouldn’t have felt right going for interviews and being out there trying to get a new job, so this really did seem like the best option.”

Athena, who previously worked for Lloyds TSB, gave up her job when became a mum and since then took the decision to stay at home and bring up her daughter.

“I’m so glad that I took the decision to be a stay–at-home-mum, because I feel I have given my daughter the best start in life,” continued Athena, “but now that she has grown up it felt like the right time to return to work.”

As well as working in the banking industry Athena, who has qualified with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, previously kept her former husband’s books and has substantial experience in this area of work

“Not being from this area and having not thought about self employment before, I didn’t know where to start” added Athena, “so I went on the net and Googled business support and that’s when I found out about Train 2000. Since then I haven’t looked back.”

Athena came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where she received help and advice under the ISUS (Intensive Start-Up Support) funded programme.

She said: “Train 2000 was a great source of advice and support and my adviser was extremely helpful.”

Athena is looking to develop her client base in the Stockport area and further a-field. For information about her bookkeeping services she can be contacted on 07545 071 163.

Joanne Perry

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

L&H Cakes

WHEN mum-of-two Joanne Perry went on maternity leave last year it provided her with the perfect opportunity to start something new – and that’s when she set her sights on opening up her own business.

“In the past I have worked in a number of jobs including anything from fashion to beauty therapy” says Joanne, “but when I left work to have my second baby I decided it was time to try something different. So, I enrolled on a cake making course and it all started from there.”

After a lot of hard work and preparation 36-year-old Joanne, who is from Knowsley, launched her business L&H Cakes in April this year and works in part-time employment also, whilst she establishes the business.

She said: “Since setting up L&H Cakes, I have been in-undated with orders. It started off with just family and friends but now I am picking up new customers all the time through word of mouth.

“At the moment, I am still working part-time, but I absolutely love running my own business and as it builds up further I am looking to finish my part-time employment and concentrate solely on my cake making.”

She added: “The work I do is very involved and I don’t think people realise what goes into cake making, each one takes me approximately four hours to complete – but what I love most about my work is the fact that it is allowing me to be really creative.”

Prior to setting up L&H Cakes Joanne came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where she received free help and advice under the business start-up programme. She worked on a one-to-one basis with a business adviser who helped to put together her business plan and apply for funding to help towards start-up costs.

“I had never heard of Train 2000 before” said Joanne, “but I had gone along to my local children’s centre in Knowsley with my daughter, who is now one, and whilst I was there I received some information about the organisation. I was already thinking about setting up my own business and I knew I didn’t want to go back to work fulltime, so finding out I could get free help and advice really gave me the extra push I needed.

“Train 2000 was fantastic. My adviser Amanda was so helpful and patient and I don’t think I could have put together a business plan without her. Having Train 2000 to support me, really gave me the confidence I needed to do this and I am so glad I did.”

Through her business Joanne makes wedding cakes, cup cakes and a variety of cakes for all occasions and she is able to base her business at home.

“My cakes are really something special” said Joanne, “I put a lot of work into them, to make them look very individual and enjoy the creativity it brings out in me.”

If you are interested in finding out more about L&H Cakes or if you would like to place an order please contact Joanne on 07784 996 473.

And, if you are a woman living in Knowsley and would like to start up your own business, please contact Train 2000 on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.train2000.org.uk to find out about our range of free services.

Christine Bradshaw & Lynda Roberts

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sophie Rose Interiors

FOR friends Christine Bradshaw and Lynda Roberts opening up their own business is about much more than going to work – because the two mums have a real passion for what they do.

“It’s a pleasure coming into work, we love what we do and it’s fantastic being our own bosses,” said Christine who along with business partner Lynda opened up Sophie Rose Interiors in their hometown of Reddish, Stockport, earlier this year.

“We have both got children and have been friends for years. I was looking to do something new and Lynda had previously run her own business, so we decided to join forces and give it a go” added Christine.

Sophie Rose Interiors, which is based in the heart of reddish sells vintage products, as well as a range of made to measure curtains – and the business partners buy and restore old furniture which they then sell on.

Prior to starting up the business Christine, aged 46, was unemployed after leaving her job as a teaching assistant, whilst 49-year-old Lynda had run her own business before. Now the partners have combined their skills and experiences for their new venture, with Lynda undertaking a lot of the work in the shop whilst Christine is responsible for all other aspects of the business including administration, marketing, finance and much m ore.

After deciding they wanted to become their own bosses Christine and Lynda came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where they received free help and support under the ISUS (Intensive Start-up Support) funded programme.

As well as attending a business planning course Christine and Lynda worked on a one-to-one basis with their adviser Mike. “The support we received from Train 2000 was excellent” said Christine, “It was very useful to have some one who could help us along the way, in putting our business plan together. It was nice to have somewhere to turn for any questions or queries we had and we would definitely recommend other women to access the services offered through Train 2000.”

They first heard about the organisation when Christine searched on the internet for somewhere in the area they could turn to for the business advice they were looking for.

“We have both lived in Reddish all our lives” said Christine, “and we are delighted that we have been able to open up a shop here, as we are very optimistic that it will make a difference to the area. We are both very passionate about the town and are keen to make a positive contribution to it.”

To find out more about Sophie Rose Interiors call into the shop on Gorton Road in Reddish or if you want to speak to Christine or Lynda about their range of products and service give them a call on 0161 222 1017.

Doreen Perkin

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Stitched up by Doreen

Doreen has worked in the alteration business for many years working either full or part time depending on family commitments and/or her employer’s needs. Doreen was made redundant several months ago from a local dry cleaner that offered an alteration service.

The alteration side of the business was booming even though other aspects were tailing off – Doreen approached the owner with an offer to save the alteration side – but the owner still decided to reduce overheads ------ and that included Doreen!

After several months of living off benefits and getting more and more disillusioned with both finding employment , the Jobcentres attitude to her working for herself, and much soul searching – Doreen decided to set up her own business.

Doreen joined BBV and the JCP Coaching programme on the 28th April 2010 originally attending an awareness session - she stated that although she was determined to set up her own business, she needed help and advice. Doreen has since attended several workshops as part of the JCP programme and has had a couple of 1-2-1 sessions before being referred over to ISUS on the 11th May 2010. She has attended sessions now with ISUS also.

Both the JCP Coaching Programme and ISUS have been significant to Doreen in helping her set up her stable and profitable business. Doreen was thinking about setting up her business previous to contacting BBV but the help and support has allowed her to concentrate her thoughts around the gaps in her knowledge.

Doreen set up her company on the 1st June 2010

If you ask Doreen what is the best thing so far about running your own business she will say the challenge and having the control in business terms

Jagdish Solanki

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mahavir Ayuredic Supplies

Jagdish has worked as a certified accountant and also as a manager of a travel agency for many years. Disillusioned with his employers and industry in general Jagdish decided to set up his own company.

He had been referred to BBV though the JC+ Coaching Programme and has been fully committed to both the workshops and the 1 2 1 sessions before being referred again to ISUS. Jagdish’s idea of self-employment started through his inability to get a job either in accountancy or travel, having to work within someone else’s code of ethics became a struggle for him as well.

Jagdish is not a typical self employed person, but having made the decision to walk away from the corporate life, he is prepared to give whatever it takes to succeed in his new business

The biggest challenge for Jagdish is getting the word out there and not being bogged down by the detail.

He knows and believes in the product – but do others? Jag has benefited from the various marketing workshops he has attended through the ISUS programme and has made use of 1 2 1 advice from both marketing and legal advisers at BBV.

Referred to ISUS on the 22nd February 2010 Jag has attended and enjoyed most of the workshops BBV provide – starting with the JC+ Coaching Programme through the Let’s Start Talking Business sessions supported by Barclays Bank and lately the ISUS programme. Although Jag was determined from the beginning to start his own business it would have been very unlikely without the help and support of a structured programme – Jag will need ongoing support over the next 6 months to help him survive in a limited market.

Over the time that Jag has been working with BBV it has been inspirational to see him contemplate an issue or value that has held him back many times in life and now rise to the challenge and work through it

Nick Carter

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JBS Building Contractors

Having been unemployed for several months, Nick decided to go self-employed as a builder. Whilst he had previously worked in the trade for local contractors, he had never been self-employed before, and with the building trade only just beginning to come out of recession, Nick was aware that he was taking a calculated risk. But he was confident that with his local contacts, and a professional approach to business, he could make it work.

Nick was referred by JobCentre Plus to Enterprise4All for their business start-up support programme. E4All helped Nick develop his Business Plan and advised him on all aspects of becoming self-employed.

Nick started trading in January 2010 and his first contract was to undertake the bricklaying for two new homes being built in Carnforth. Before long he was given the additional work of roofing and fitting out both properties. Since then Nick hasn’t looked back. The business continues to go from strength to strength.

As Nick puts it – “Going self-employed is the best move I ever made”

If you would like to contact Nick he can be reached on 07976 733 666.

Joe Halsall

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Scratch Master

Joe has several years experience working as a Body Shop Technician in local car body repair workshops. But the recession led to him being made redundant in early 2009. After several months on Jobseeker’s Allowance and unable to find work, and with a partner and young children to support, he decided to set up his own business providing a mobile cosmetic vehicle repair service (treating scratches, small dents, interior trim damage etc.). Joe saw this as an excellent opportunity to turn his life around, and he also realised that he soon got bored “working in one spot all the time”, so going mobile was ideal.

Joe discussed setting up his own business with his JobCentre Adviser who referred him to Enterprise4all for their DWP “Self-Employment Coaching Programme”. This helped Joe clarify his business idea and build his confidence in becoming self-employed.

After about a month, Joe moved on to Enterprise4all’s free Intensive Start-Up Support Programme (funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency). The first step was to write a Business Plan which detailed all of the key aspects of his business idea, including start-up costs, pricing policy, marketing, and financial forecasts.

The next step was to access start-up funding to cover the cost of getting the business up and running. With help from Enterprise4all, Joe applied to Lancashire County Developments Limited (part of Lancashire County Council) for a “Kickstart” business loan. Whilst his loan application was being processed, Joe developed his business skills through a series of one-to-one meetings with his Business Adviser at Enterprise4all, and also attended several training Workshops covering the key skills required for self-employment, including Marketing,Tax, Social Networking and Customer Service. Joe also began to re-visit his contacts in the local motor trade, and to generate potential new business through local taxi companies, car hire fleets, car dealers and private car owners.

His loan came through and Joe was then able to start getting everything in place to start trading. He hit the ground running with several jobs already booked and more in the pipeline.

Joe says:-

“A really big thanks to Enterprise4all for all they have done for me, and for their professionalism and making things easy to understand. The interest and care they took in helping me get my business started was second to none”

Lyndsay Jordan

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bloom Flower Shop

JUST six weeks into becoming her own boss and business really is blooming for Huyton Florist Lyndsay Jordan.

With weddings booked from now until November, corporate contracts already in place and an endless stream of customers to her shop Lyndsay has already taken on two part-time employees and is now seeking to recruit a delivery driver.

“I just can’t believe it” she said, “I am constantly busy and I am having the time of my life. My shop is in a great location right in the middle of Huyton Village and it is proving to be really popular with all the locals, I couldn’t have wished for a better start.”

33-year-old Lyndsay, who is mum to her three young children aged eight, six and three, was previously employed as a professional dancer travelling all round the world to appear in shows – but since having her children she hasn’t worked for the past nine years.

She continued: “Initially when I had my children, I wanted to be a full time mum. But during this time I decided to take up an interest, so I went along to College to do a floristry course. I never expected to enjoy the course as much as I did.

“After I finished the course and my children started school and nursery I decided to look for a job in floristry, but after so many years not working, it was very disheartening. None of the florists could take me on, because they just didn’t have enough work themselves, they were laying employees off, not recruiting, so I had no chance.”

It was at this point that Lynsday took the plunge and decided that if she couldn’t work as a florist for anyone else – then she would open up her own shop.

That’s when she came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where she received free help and support under the ISUS (Intensive Start-Up Support) funded programme and Knowsley Fresh Start.

“I found Train 2000 to be extremely helpful” said Lyndsay, “I worked alongside my adviser John, who was extremely helpful and supported me in putting my business plan together.

“I am not very business minded at all and don’t consider myself to have a good business head, but with the help of Train 2000 and in particular John, I felt really confident going into self-employment and was pleased with the plan I produced.”

Lyndsay’s florist Bloom Flower Shop, based at Derby Street Huyton Village, sells a variety of floral displays for any occasion and Lyndsay is only too happy to make her designs as individual as her customers want them to be.

If you would like to find out more about Bloom Flower Shop or it you want to speak to Lyndsay please give her a call on 07591 500 499.

Pat Thornley

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pat Thornley Training Consultancy

WHEN Pat Thornely retired from work there was no way she was going to put her feet up – instead the 68-year-old Grandmother took this opportunity to start up her own business.

“I didn’t want to retire but I had no choice” said Pat, “I felt that I still had a lot more to give, so I did something that I had been thinking about for years, and started up my own training consultancy business.”

Pat, who is from the Knowsley area, had worked as a nurse and a midwife during her early career before taking up employment with the Liverpool PCT delivering training courses – and it was her previously gained skills and experienced gained in training that led her to the decision to set up Pat Thornley Training Consultancy.

Through her business Pat provides training around training and long term health conditions which she delivers to carers in the Knowsley and surrounding areas.

After deciding to start up her business Pat came along to Train 2000 where she received free advice and support funded through the Intensive Start-Up Support (ISUS) programme and Knowsley Fresh Start.

Pat said: “I knew that Train 2000 had an excellent reputation so I went along to see what help they could give. I worked on a one-to-one basis with my adviser Amanda, who was brilliant. She was extremely supportive and helped me to put together my business plan.”

Since starting up the business Pat has already been contracted to do a number of training courses and says that she is as busy now as when she was working.

“I have always toyed with idea of becoming self-employed” continued Pat, “there was a huge fear factor and I was used to having a steady income, so it made it very difficult for me to make that jump.

“But, now that I am retired I’ve got nothing to lose and being my own boss is working extremely well.”

She added: “Because of my age I had to retire, but there was no way I was ready to put my feet up and just because you’re older it certainly doesn’t mean that your skills and experience are any less valid, so I just went for it and I honestly feel as though setting up my own business has done a great deal for my confidence.”

Pat, who was widowed at age 51 has grown up children and two young grandchildren, says she is getting the most out of retirement and is very much looking forward to developing her business further and gaining new contracts.

Anyone who would like to find out more about Pat Thornley Training Consultancy should contact her on 0151 292 4305.

For further information about the FREE services delivered by Train 2000 to women in the Merseyside area visit www.train2000.org.uk or call 0151 236 6601.

Sharlotte Bamber

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Choco-Lotty

Sharlotte Bamber was made redundant from her job as a Senior Lean Engineer for Leyland Trucks in April 2009 having worked there for almost 15 years. Sharlotte, 38, decided to take the opportunity the redundancy presented and saw it as the ideal time for a change of career.

A self-confessed chocoholic, Sharlotte dreamed of running her very own chocolatiers, but with no business or confectionery making skills as such, she didn’t quite know how to go about achieving her dream.

After six months of redundancy, Sharlotte’s husband encouraged her to go on a local chocolate course. Meanwhile, she also gained help from South Ribble Council’s Business Venture Group (BVG), which provides support and advice to small businesses, both at the start up stage and beyond.

In December 2009 Choco-Lotty was born, offering bespoke chocolate gifts ranging from seasonal goods, such as Easter eggs and chocolate snowmen, to fully edible chocolate boxes, wedding displays and daffodils.

Sharlotte says: “When I was made redundant I realised it was the perfect time for me to look for a more creative role that would allow me to have a better work life balance. I've always loved chocolate and I thought my engineering skills would come in handy as a chocolatier as they enable me to be much more creative and adventurous than most chocolatiers would be.

“BVG helped me with business matters that I really didn’t have all that much experience in, such as financial planning and management. They also acted as business mentor to me, so I was able to bounce any ideas I had off them and get their honest, but supportive, feedback.

“Best of all, BVG effectively act as a holding hand for new start ups. They were always there for me when I needed them, encouraging me and providing helpful advice. They took the time to understand my vision for the business from day one and really helped me in any way they could, even with generating publicity for Choco-Lotty, for which I’m extremely grateful, as it’s helped raise awareness of my product range.”

Sharlotte also specialises in creating one-of-a-kind chocolate gifts to order. Recently she created a fully edible chocolate camper van, which was just under one foot long. The 3D chocolate creation was a wedding gift from the bride’s mother, as she had hired a camper van to take her daughter to the church on her wedding day.

Sharlotte adds: “When I have a particularly big chocolate creation to make like the camper van, in addition to all of my other orders, it can be challenging, plus, as a food manufacturer there are lots of legal matters which I have to be aware of, but the advantages far outweigh any qualms I might have about the day-to-day running of my own business.

“I’m now much happier because I have a job which I’m really passionate about. I can also pick and choose the hours I work which has allowed me to have a better work life balance and I take great pride and reward in seeing my customers enjoy my products.”

Nikki Hesford

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Miss Fit UK

After identifying a growing demand for clothing and lingerie for women with bigger busts, Nikki Hesford, 24, was keen to address the gap.

Having decided to launch her own stylish but affordable range to celebrate women with large chests Nikki had no fashion experience under her belt and no finance and realised quickly that, in order to succeed she would need help and guidance to make her dream a reality.

Nikki contacted the Rural Lancashire Development Fund (RLDF), a scheme operated by Lancashire County Council's economic development department, which supports high growth business activity in rural areas of the county. Nikki was awarded £8,000, which was made up of a £4,000 grant and a £4,0000 loan.

Nikki says: “RLDF worked with me to understand the clothing range and what I wanted to achieve from the business and the money I was awarded allowed me to set up Miss Fit UK, my dream of a unique, contemporary range of clothing and lingerie for ladies with bigger boobs, which is affordable but doesn’t compromise on quality.

“I currently have around fifteen clothing products including gorgeous blouses and stylish dresses, which are supplied to some big brand names including BeCheeky.com, and I also have a sub-brand of lingerie, 2wenty8, which is about to go into a major department store.”

Nikki has also just been approved for a £10,000 Kick Start loan to assist her in expanding the business. This involves exporting 2wenty8 lingerie to the US, Canada and Australia. To help ensure she successfully achieves this, RLDF has enlisted her on a High Growth Scheme to help her learn more about key business issues, including financial management, marketing and sales.

Nikki adds: “I absolutely could not have made this much progress without the help and support I’ve received from RLDF. Without it I would probably still be trying to get enough money together now to manufacture the first few products.”

As a mum to a six year old little boy, Nikki is now able to work more flexible hours, which allows her more quality time to spend with her son.

She said: “I have no family nearby to help me take care of my son, and with the schools having 12 weeks holiday a year, and regular jobs only offering four weeks annual leave, I needed a more flexible role, which was another reason why I wanted to set up my own business. I’m thrilled to be finally trading as Miss Fit UK.”

A typical day for Nikki now includes financial planning and management, updating the Miss Fit UK Twitter and Facebook pages, writing content for the website, updating product details and testing prototypes.

Nikki concluded: “As with any new small business, its hard work and there’s no guaranteed wage when you’re just starting up, plus the pressure to make the repayments is always a worry, but so far these have all been met. So I feel the pros out weigh the cons - my quality of life is far better as I’m able to plan my hours around my son, without the stress of the rat-run and gloom of working nine to five.”

Mandy Laing

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Equilibrium

Mandy Laing developed a fascination with acupuncture after undergoing the treatment as a patient. She decided to read a degree in acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture in Warwick, where she graduated with a first-class BA (hons) and put her new found skills and experience to good use by setting up her own acupuncture business.

Mandy set up Equilibrium (www.acupuncture cheshire.co.uk) in 2009 after gaining help and support from Blue Orchid - a specialist team of start up business advisors that helps people develop and grow their business models. The team worked with Mandy to understand the business and her objectives, providing her with invaluable help and advice on everything from effective financial management and bookkeeping to marketing her business.

Mandy says: “I was daunted with the prospect of setting up my business, because not only was I a newly qualified acupuncture practitioner, but I felt like I also needed to be business minded to succeed. What worried me the most was the sales and marketing aspect as I didn't know if I was cut out for it. I attended a Blue Orchid course where I learnt how to complete a business plan, incorporating sales and marketing and I found this help invaluable.

“I found the business advisors provided me not only with motivation, but also inspiration. They were honest with me and very supportive, giving me the confidence and direction I needed to start my own business. I now feel comfortable with where I want to take my business and how I’m going to do it. Before I met the Blue Orchid team, I didn't even realise how important it was to have a business plan in place.”

Today, Equilibrium is going from strength to strength, with Mandy now running it from two locations in Chester. However her previous career was at the opposite end of the spectrum to the type of job she has now, having worked for the Bank of America for ten years where she held a number of managerial roles, specialising in Human Resources.

She adds: “I enjoyed my time working for the Bank of America, but I have a much better work/life balance now. I typically treat around four to six patients a day, for everything from infertility issues, muscular and skeletal pain to allergies'. It’s extremely rewarding, as it gives me satisfaction and pleasure to see an improvement in my patient’s condition.

“There are challenges with setting up your own business – I don’t exactly enjoy updating my books but the benefits and rewards are worth it. I feel fulfilled in my life right now as I’m doing a job that is perfect for me. I love spending time with my patients and every day I find it an absolute thrill to see my patients’ lives changing for the better.”

Comment from Jan Kalitkin, Business Adviser at Blue Orchid said: “Most people are overwhelmed at times when setting up their own business, just like Mandy was, but they need to be aware that help is out there. We effectively provide a holding hand for new start up businesses and we’re always delighted to see a business grow that we’ve supported.”

Lisa Simpson

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Simpson Board Enterprises Ltd

Lisa Simpson, 34 has quadriplegia cerebral palsy and no verbal communication. With limited employment opportunities but a passion for the performing arts, Lisa helped create the Simpson Board, a tool which assists disabled people with no or limited verbal communication to choreograph dance moves.

The Simpson Board was invented when Adam Benjamin, former director and co-founder of CandoCo Dance Company, did a five day residency at Hereward FE College, where Lisa was a student. Adam was inspired by the methods Lisa used to produce visual artwork and wanted to create a way to enable her to choreograph based on the same principles.

The Simpson Board was then created, and allows people with a disability to indicate which positions the dancers should take - enabling someone with few communications skills to become a choreographer.

Lisa said: “As we developed the Simpson Board, my ability to be able to choreograph dance moves increased considerably as the board was refined. My enthusiasm to create such a tool led to the board being named after me.

“Once the first Simpson Board was created, I was asked to use it to teach a woman with a severe disability how to choreograph. She inspired me so much that I knew setting up a business would create endless opportunities for other disabled people to realise their true potential.”

Simpson Board Enterprises Ltd was officially launched after Lisa and Stephen Banning gained help and support from East Liverpool Economic Community Trust Ltd (ELECT), which offered all forms of business advice and support and helped them turn the unique invention into a marketable product.

Lisa said: “Since the Simpson Board was developed, I have taught many other people with disabilities how to choreograph using it, which has been hugely rewarding for me. I’ve also taught on dance summer schools, where the Simpson Board proved a huge hit with the children. In turn this has led to us create a simpler version of the Simpson Board which enables the children to choreograph more easily.”

Lisa strongly believes there could be more prospective choreographers with no, or limited verbal who haven't been given the opportunity to realise their true potential, so she plans to make the Simpson Board available throughout the UK. Currently based in Liverpool, a typical day for Lisa involves contacting people throughout the North West, creating awareness that there is a tool with which disabled people – who have no or limited verbal communication - can choreograph.

Kerry Griffin

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cheeky Monkeys Childcare Ltd

After gaining seven years’ work experience and training in the childcare and education sector, Kerry Griffin, 24, was keen to put her skills and experience to good use and open up her own nursery for children aged from 12 weeks to five years.

While the current lack of funding available from banks to set up small businesses proved to be a large obstacle for Kerry, after seeking advice from the Furness Enterprise via the ISUS programme she managed to get a start up grant, as well as a number of job creation grants.

Kerry says: “I was really keen to be my own boss and put my experience to good use by opening a day care centre for children that would not only offer a home away from home for them, but also provide quality educational activities to help advance their development. When I started looking into funding options, I nearly gave up hope that I would be able to open a nursery, as the banks simply aren’t lending to small businesses in the current climate.

“After hearing about the positive help and support Furness Enterprise had given other small businesses, I contacted them to ask for their advice. They have been brilliant in helping me get the funding I needed through available grants.”

Since Cheeky Monkey’s Childcare (www.cheekymonkeyschildcare.com) opened its doors, it has continued to offer a safe, fun and nurturing environment within its 30 place nursery. Educational activities throughout the day include story time, puzzles and games, arts and crafts, music and computer time. There is also a baby room for children aged between 12 weeks and two years, which offers a sensory area and low units so all toys and equipment are accessible for children to enjoy.

Kerry adds: “Since opening Cheeky Monkeys Childcare we’ve been busier than we ever expected, which is fantastic. Starting up your own business is hard work and very challenging at times, but it’s extremely worthwhile and I take great comfort in knowing that I’m my own boss and that it’s down to me to employ the best, skilled staff to help me drive the nursery forward.

“All of the children who come to the nursery thoroughly enjoy it and we’ve had some wonderful compliments from the parents, so it’s all been very rewarding. Without the support I received from the Furness Enterprise, I would have had to secure a much larger personal loan, which I don’t even know would have been possible, so I’m extremely grateful for their support and guidance and would thoroughly recommend other small businesses to get in touch with them and take advantage of their business mentoring and advice services offered.”

Val Robinson, Service Provider on behalf of Furness Enterprise comments: “We are delighted to see Cheeky Monkeys Childcare open and providing such a high quality standard of care and educational facilities to young children. Despite the current economic climate, there is a variety of financial support available to small businesses - including loans and loan guarantees, grants and equity, which many people with hopes of setting up on their own simply don’t know about. This is where we come in to help them assess the options and implement the best financial solutions available to their specific needs.”

Joanne Guite

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Trotters ‘n’ Pooche

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.”