News

Joy Lorenz

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Black Frost

AFTER being made redundant from her position as PA to the Ambassador of Liverpool mother-of-two Joy Lorenz did not like the prospect of being unemployed – and instead of searching for a new job she took the decision to start up her own business.

And now through her business Black Frost she is providing handmade cards, invites, table decorations and all those little extras needed for a party – to her customers throughout the Knowsley area and beyond.

“Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to have my own business” said Joy “so, although it came as a real blow to loose my job, it was actually a blessing in disguise because it provided me with this opportunity to be my own boss.”

Having always been asked by friends and family to help organise parties, invitations and decorate tables Joy decided that this could be a viable business idea – and after using her sister’s wedding as a trial for her business, she knew it was time to make a go of it.

She said: “Although I have spent most of my career working in an office environment I have always been interested in crafts, knitting and tapestry and I am really enjoying being able to do something that was once a hobby, as my work now”

36-year-old Joy who is mum to her two children aged 17 and 12 said that because her youngest child is autistic and needs additional help she had previously been looking at ways to spend extra time with him.

“When I was working fulltime” continued Joy “I couldn’t be at home as much as I wanted to, but becoming self-employed has changed all that for me. I have now the chance to be more flexible and it really is great for the whole family.”

Prior to starting up her business Joy came along to Train 2000 where she received one-to-one business advice, under the business start-up programme. She worked with a business adviser who supported her in putting a business plan together.

Joy said: “If it wasn’t for Train 2000 there is no way I could have started up my own business. There was so much to learn about becoming self-employed and the help I received in putting my business plan together was invaluable.”

As Joy builds up her business, she is hoping in the future to be able to offer party weekend and themed weekends in what she describes as ‘unusual’ locations.

“It might be some way off yet” said Joy, “but continuing with my party theme I would like to be able to offer party weekends, for occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween and any other occasions that people would like a party weekend for. But for now, I am happy to just build the business up that I have go and expand later.

“I have always wanted to be self-employed and I really do love it. I feel as though I am living my dream.”

To find out more about Joy’s work visit www.blackfrostcards.com, contact her on 07592 129848 or email joy.lorenz@blackforestcards.com.

And, if you are a woman from the Merseyside or Greater Manchester area and are interested in starting up your own business please call Train 2000 on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.train2000.org.uk

Gemma Beaumont

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Snooky Ookums

At the age of 25 Gemma Beaumont who, until September 2009, had been working in London for two years moved back to Liverpool. During her time in London she had, as a hobby, started doing vintage fairs but when she moved back to Liverpool she realised that there was more potential in the North than there had been down in London and decided to set up her own business.

A friend, who had herself worked with the Princes Trust the previous year, told Gemma about the support that they could give and advised her to get in touch with them. Not only did Princes Trust help Gemma to get a grant to give the business a kick start but they also worked with her on the Intensive Support Startup programme (ISUS), helping her produce her business plan and giving her the skills required to set up her business. She has found that having a mentor for help and support and putting her through the appropriate training has really helped her to get the tools she needs for running her own business. She received training on how to keep her own books and therefore is able to save money by not having to pay accountancy fees.

After searching for several months in the area of Liverpool where she wanted to set up her business Gemma found a unit in Bold Street which she took as it was the cheapest and nearest to the location that she wanted. Gemma has now been able to open her boutique and sell her vintage outfits at “affordable prices” although she has found that getting the shop up and running and achieving her targets has been the hardest part of the whole process.

Not only does Gemma sell her outfits in her shop but she also sells them on line through her website www.snookyookums.co.uk as well as on Facebook.

The thing that Gemma loves most about starting her business is going to fairs; she loves the promotion and marketing of the shop, as well as enjoying the customer service while doing something that she enjoys. The downside is that she is not part of a team and she finds that sometimes that can be a bit lonely.

Gemma’s day now consists of opening the shop in the morning, checking and replacing stock she is short on. She updates business via Facebook and has to quite often change the shop around. She checks her email for any vintage fairs, then goes home to do internet orders and any updating for any changes with the business.

Starting her business has given Gemma more confidence and skills to deal with her responsibilities, which makes her open to do more jobs. She feels that it has made her a more creative person, by thinking positive and coming up with new ideas all the time. The fact that she still has her mentor to discuss these ideas with is also very helpful.

Her vision for the future is to move to larger premises and start to do men’s vintage outfits as well as home vintage and finally expand to become a wholesaler.

Rachel Burrows

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Aid Training North West Ltd

www.firstaidtrainingnorthwest.com

A woman from Ormskirk is enjoying the benefits of starting up her own first aid training business after getting expert advice from Merseyside and Lancashire based business support organisation ELECT (www.elect.org.uk).

Rachel Burrows, originally from Dovecot, lives with her husband and 2 children, and is finally fulfilling a long time ambition of hers by setting up First Aid Training North West.

She first started teaching First Aid when she worked for the NHS as a HR and Training Development Co-ordinator, training the nurses in Basic Life Support. She is also a certified AED instructor/assessor and qualified in paediatrics.

After being made redundant from her previous job, Rachel decided it was time to put her career goal into action.

“It was something I had always planned to do, but it was when I was made redundant that I finally decided to do something about it,” Rachel said.

She decided that a first aid training business was the way to go after doing her own market research, and discovering that there wasn’t a small, independent company locally that offered what she intended to do.

“My courses are simplified and concentrate on how to give first aid treatment. Lots of fun and interactive sessions result in the essential techniques being remembered when necessary,” she said.

After turning to ELECT for help, Rachel was shown how to put a business plan together, given marketing advice and helped along every step of the way.

“ELECT have been brilliant. They put me in contact with people that I would never have known how to, and they really helped to get my name out there to people,” she said.

The business did get off to a slow start, which left her wondering if she had done the right thing.

“In the beginning, I was really worried that it wouldn’t work and I’d have to go back to a normal job. Thankfully, everything is going really well and I’m almost fully booked right up to November,” said Rachel.

Getting her company noticed in Ormskirk is still proving a bit of a challenge, but with plans that include workshops and parent training classes at children’s groups, she’s determined to get her name noticed.

“My goals are to just continue to work hard and to make my business bigger and better.”

Anyone interested in First Aid Training, please contact Rachel Burrows on 07912222909 or Email: enquiries@firstaidtrainingnorthwest.com; or go to the web site: www.firstaidtrainingnorthwest.com

Lin Harrison

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cross Farm Cottages

www.crossfarmholidaycottages.co.uk

A couple from Southport have opened up their own holiday cottages.

Lin and Stan Harrison decided on the venture after their previous business fell to a compulsory purchase order from Liverpool City Council in 2006, as a part of the regeneration of Anfield.

“We decided it was best to take the money that the council offered,” said Linda.

Lin and Stan chose to use the money from the purchase order to do something about the old, unused farm buildings that they owned.

After consulting the planning department of their local council, they began the 18 month renovation of the buildings.

“When they started to dig out the buildings, it was like a Roman excavation,” said Stan. “We found 35 tons of cobbles and blocks. We didn’t want to just bury them again, because they looked really nice.”

These materials and the coping stones from the roof were then used to build a small wall around the back of the cottages, while the bricks from the old buildings were also reduced down to create the path that leads up towards the cottages, and timber from the original roofs was restored to create the rails around the decking.

During the planning and building process, the Harrisons consulted Merseyside and Lancashire based business support organisation ELECT (www.elect.org.uk), where they received legal and financial support from one of the advisors.

ELECT, in partnership with the WLBC Economic Regeneration Department, also helped to get the Lord Mayer of West Lancs Borough Council, Cllr John Baldock, to carry out the official opening.

The floors inside the cottages came from a school that was being torn down in Bootle, so Stan spent a lot of time sanding and polishing them to make them look new.

The rooms are clutter free and all the kitchen equipment is at a low height, ensuring that all aspects of the cottages are wheelchair friendly.

As a result of these measures, the cottages have been awarded with an M1 Mobility and a 4* Accreditation from the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board.

“We have Wi Fi connection as well,” said Lin. “It’s the first thing that everyone asks for when they book.”
Cross Farm Holiday Cottages opened in July and is open all year round.

Anyone interested in the cottages, please contact - Cross Farm Holiday Cottages, Mairscough Lane,
Downholland, Lancashire, L39 7HT: Tel: 0151 526 1576 or Email: ns.harrison@virgin.net

Stephanie Kilshaw

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Pink Plasterer

WHEN single mum Stephanie Kilshaw was made redundant last December the search for a new job became almost impossible – so after four months of unemployment she decided it was time to take a new approach.

And that’s when she took the decision to start up her own business – as a plasterer.

“I had always worked in an office environment within Human Resources” said 34-year-old Stephanie, “but when I was made unemployed and couldn’t find a new job I decided to turn my hand to plastering and set up my business The Pink Plasterer.

“I love plastering and have plastered for friends and family in the past, so I decided to give it a go. I went along to the DIY School in Stockport which supports women doing careers like; plastering, tiling and decorating and I gained the qualifications I needed to run alongside my experience.”

Then Stephanie came along to Train 2000 where she received free help and advice under the business start-up programme, which included one-to-one support in putting her business plan together and the opportunity to attend a series of one day workshops.

“I honestly could not have done this without Train 2000” said Stephanie, who is from West Derby, “It felt very daunting going into a male dominated area as a plaster and I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing. But the staff at Train 2000, were so encouraging and made me believe in myself and that I could make it work.

“I had never done a business plan before and the help I got was just brilliant. I have been on a couple of courses including the tax and national insurances ones and they have made me feel so much more confident about the financial side of running my business. Train 2000 was fantastic and I would certainly recommend it to other women.”

And, since starting up the business Stephanie has literally been inundated with work and is currently working a six-day week to keep up with demand. She has even taken on a labourer and plans to increase her workforce over the forthcoming months.

She said: “The fact that I am a woman is really working in my favour. A lot of my customers are the over 60’s who say they feel happier having a woman in the house and they think I will be tidier than a man! A lot of builders are also using me to do their plastering because they believe women are more meticulous.”

Stephanie says that when she first started up the business a lot of her friends were amused by the fact that she was a female plasterer and that men in particular would joke about her line of work – but she says that once they had seen her plastering they joked no more!

Stephanie, who is mum to her four-year-old daughter Meg, added: “I absolutely love what I do, being self-employed is great and I can’t ever see myself working for anyone else again. And, being a mum, it means that I can manage my work around my little girl.”

Over the next three years Stephanie has plans to develop a Merseyside-wide women’s DIY service and is looking to take on women in other areas such as painting and decorating, tiling and much more.

“I really think there is a call for this kind of service” said Stephanie, “I have seen how popular my plastering work is and the response I get to adverts because I say I am a female plasterer is astounding. I definitely plan to build the business up further – and although it was hard at the time, I’m now glad I was made redundant otherwise I may never have had the chance to do what I’m doing now. Every day I look forward to going to work and I really love what I do.”

If you would like to speak to Stephanie or to get a quote for some plastering work please call her on 07861 702 463 or email thepinkplasterer@gmail.com .

And, if you’re a woman from the Merseyside or Greater Manchester area and are interested in starting up your own business please call Train 2000 on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.train2000.org.uk

Marta Cunha

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dark Horse Origami

www.dkhorse.blogspot.com

WHEN Marta Cunha took up the ancient Japanese art form of Origami she never imagined that it would one day provide her with the opportunity to start up her own business.

But now, the 31-year-old’s work is displayed at the Tate in Liverpool and she has been approached by other museums and art galleries throughout the region.

“For as long as I can remember I have been interested in origami” said Marta, “I think the Japanese culture is very beautiful and the art form of origami is extremely relaxing and can be therapeutic also.”

After spending years teaching herself origami – it was by mistake that Marta hit up on something really different and it is this that has made her business Dark Horse Origami the success that it is.

Marta said: “I am very creative and love designing new things. One day I thought to myself why not wear some origami earrings and hairclips and I didn’t think anything else of it. But, I got so many compliments on them, I couldn’t believe it.

“I realised that origami jewellery was something very unique and so I began to make more, selling them at markets and craft fairs.”

Marta’s delicate and unique jewellery is made using origami on specialist paper and she produces everything from necklaces and earrings through to hairclips and broaches. Originally from Portugal Marta came to England in 2008 – and after settling in Liverpool decided she wanted to stay.

And, prior to starting up Dark Horse Origami Marta came along to women’s enterprise agency Train 2000 where she received business advice and support under the business start-up programme.

“It helped me a lot going along to Train 2000” said Marta, “and it also made me realise that this was for real and it wasn’t just a hobby anymore. I really enjoy being my own boss and it’s great to have control of my life and my future.”

As well as developing her own designs Marta is also starting to run origami workshops and hoping to deliver these at galleries, community centres and school throughout the area.

“Because origami is so relaxing and therapeutic it has many benefits” said Marta, “It is a very simple technique but it really can make a huge difference to your life and the way you’re feeling and I am very keen to pass on my knowledge and experience to other people.”

To find out more about where you can see Marta’s work, get more information on her workshops and forthcoming craft fairs visit her blog at www.dkhorse.blogspot.com or give her a call on 079703 238 654.

And, if you’re a woman in the Merseyside or Greater Manchester areas and are interested in starting up your own business please call 0151 236 6601 or visit www.train2000.org.uk

Jackie Mogan

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mogo's Sandwich Bar

For the most part of her career Jackie Mogan has always worked in an office – that is until last month when she opened up her own business Mogo’s Sandwhich Bar.

Now, instead of sitting behind a computer she spends her days making breakfasts and lunches from the newly opened sandwich bar on Park Road in the Toxteth area of Liverpool.

“We have only been open for a couple of weeks” said Jackie, “and already people are getting to know we’re here. We thought the location would be great for a sandwich bar because there is nothing else like this in the area, and we are getting a lot of trade from business people in the area wanting breakfasts, lunches and mid-morning snacks from us.”

Although Jackie has not previously completed any catering qualifications she very much enjoys working with food and making sandwich creations. “All of the food is made up in front of the customer while they wait” said Jackie, “this means they can come in and order the combination they want and they know exactly what they’re getting.”

Jackie recently gained her food hygiene certificate and is now planning to complete further qualifications in catering. She has already employed her niece in the sandwich bar, who is trained in catering and says that the two of them work extremely well together in the shop.

“I am delighted with how well things are going” said Jackie, “I absolutely love being my own boss and can’t ever imagine going back to work for someone else again.”

Prior to starting up her business Jackie contacted the Chamber of Commerce who put her in touch with Train 2000, where she received free business start up help and advice.

Jackie said: “Going to Train 2000 was really helpful and I found my adviser really easy to talk to and was made to feel very comfortable. It was good to have someone to help me put my business plan together as this is something I have never done before.”

53-year-old Jackie who has three grandchildren, added: “Going into self-employment is an exciting new challenge for me. I was ready for a career change and I am so glad I have made that move and finally done it.”

Mogo’s Sandwich Bar is based at 207 Park Road in Toxteth and the shop can be contacted on 0151 726 8844.

And, if you’re a woman living in Merseyside and are interested in starting up your own business, contact Train 2000 for FREE business advice and support by calling 0151 236 6601 or visit www.train2000.org.uk

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.