mumpreneur magazine march 2015
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Mumpreneur Magazine March 2015TRANSCRIPT
mumpreneurMarch 2015
Mother’s Day GiftsOur Top Picks for Every Mums Fave
Day!
BusinessOpportunities
Strictly BusinessAnna Kennedy OBE takes to the stage for Comic Relief!
Different Business,Different StagesWe look at the different rates of growth in Mumpreneur owned businesses
Stages of Business4 The English Charm Co5 Underline Transcription5 Marry Abroad6 Mamazou7 Mums In The Know8 Freedom, Flexibility and Family9 Cozyglo9 My Project Me10 Parlour Pet Boutique11 Miss Milly12 The Detective Project13 Bright & Beatiful Home14 Toddler Fun Learning14 Square Peg Clothing15 Eventures16 Ginicom17 Lente Designs18 Maddi Alexander18 Hello Daisy19 Sophie HannahCo
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Stories22 Baston House School22 Hillingdon Manor23 Case Study: Baston House24 Anna Kennedy goes Strictly Business25 Autism’s Got Talent
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Business Opportunities20 Bright & Beautiful Home21 Mumpreneur UK Area Manager
Gift Guides26 Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Mumpreneur Magazine is designed and produced by Mumpreneur UK LimitedAddress: 94 Bell Lane, Marston Green, Birmingham, B33 0HX
Have a story? Get in touch:[email protected]
For advertising enquiries:[email protected]
General enquiries:[email protected]
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can buy online. An impression kit is sent out once they make their chosen purchase. It is so easy to do and not messy
at all. Jewellery is then delivered to the customer within 2 weeks.
Social media has played an important role in getting
my business known with a recognisable online presence. Facebook and Twitter are my main platforms currently, but this will also include Instagram and Pinterest this year as my products are very visual. I also have presence in local stores, and my business also operates through a direct sales channel at regional events.
Another important decision for me was Sponsoring the Lullaby Trust, a charity offering specialist support to families who are impacted by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
My name is Natasha and I own the English Charm Co. I am an Independent jeweller; handcrafting bespoke
pure silver keepsake jewellery and gifts. I started my business in 2014 and I have honestly never looked back.
I took the decision to leave the corporate world when I had my second child. I did do some freelance work, but I wanted something for me, something I could really put my own stamp on and have complete control of.
My background in Product Management and Marketing has also given me a solid platform, from which I have built and continue to build my own business.
I trained with the Craft Ecademy and I am a member of the Keepsake Guild, adhering to a code of practice and quality. I wanted to ensure I provide quality products and run a professionally managed business.
I now have an amazing website, with an estore so people
BUSINESS STAGES
One of the more common things that we hear when talking to mumpreneurs about their business growth is that they find it extremely frustrating when they see business that have been trading for a similar amount of time but they seem to have grown much faster.
Every business develops at different stages but this can be difficult to understand if your business seems to be stuck in a rut or appears to be growing extremely slowly.
We’ve got stories from twenty different businesses who have all grown at different rates - some slowly some very, very quickly but the key piece of information is to remember is that they are ALL growing!
It’s very easy to get caught up in certain mindsets when looking at your competitors but the fact of the matter is that as long as you are working, planning and looking to the future, your business will develop!
Read these stories and take inspiration that growth in business is not limited to the few but it can in fact include the many!
DifferentBusinesses,Different
S t a g e s
I started Underline Transcription in 2011 after a secretary I was working at said that her friend types from home,
and I thought ‘I can do that’! So I contacted a solicitor friend and his firm became my first client.
It was (and still is) very difficult to find the time and space to work. When you’re at home, there is ALWAYS something that needs doing – washing, cleaning, cup of tea… I work when the kids are in school, in the evenings and on weekends when it’s busy, but still I can’t fit everything in. I’ve learned to leave that bit of washing or the ironing; Supportive Husband knows how hard I work with the kids, the house, and with UT.
I HATE networking and selling. I’ve obtained most of my work via referrals, which is great, but I know that if I want to grow even more then I need to push myself out of my comfort zone – but again, it’s finding the time to attend those 7.00am (urgh) breakfasts when you’ve got two kids to get breakfasted, dressed and to school. On the occasion when I do go, Supportive Husband goes in late to work and takes the kids to school.
Now, I have contracts with universities, Government agencies, Ospreys Rugby as well as local work. I’ve also recently opened the Welsh Language department. Currently, I have five self employed, work from home typists who work as and when for me, around the school run and the bedtime routine!
www.underlinetranscription.co.ukenquiries@underlinetranscription.co.uk
We launched MarryAbroad.co.uk in January 2006 as we saw a need for couples to easily find wedding
planners and venues abroad. At the time the internet was more straightforward than it is now and we launched our website with the help of some techie friends.
Over the years we have grown the site hugely in both venues and information to help couples. We have also learnt how to code, online marketing, everything we possibly can about Google (it changes all the time), and we’re now having to adapt to new EU tax laws!
www.marryabroad.co.uk [email protected]
Since we set up our site we’ve both had children, and have found that being self employed is a great way to balance work and life (it’s not easy, but it’s far more satisfying when you run your own company).
Our aim for MarryAbroad.co.uk is to continue to grow and become the “go to” choice for any couple wanting to get married abroad. It’s always been our aim to help as many couples as possible and we’re still working on it!
Stephanie Bishop and Charlotte Hand
Facebook.com/marryabroad1
Twitter.com/marryabroad
However, we love helping couples to find their perfect wedding location, and knowing that we have helped is a big part of our company ethos.
BUSINESS STAGES
Jennifer Raymond, founder of Mamazou (the new social network for parents) explains why the site was created…
Today’s parents have access to more information than the parents of yesterday via the internet and are able to arm themselves with knowledge, tips, and tricks. I saw a lack of social space for real parents to not only read information, but to talk and engage with one another from all over the world.
Throughout my research, I realised that there are sites that offer some of my vision, but are cluttered and overbearing. During the design phase I strove to do the opposite. I wanted Mamazou to be simplistic in design and easy to navigate. We are so busy as parents, that we really don’t have the spare time tonavigate through congestion to find what we need.
There are plenty of parenting websites that post news articles and doctor recommendations for parents, but none that allow parents to talk openly.Mamazou is that space.
Primarily, Mamazou forums allow parents to discuss topics ranging from sleeppatterns, baby led weaning, and even the more messy topics like nappy business.
I created groups that are easy to navigate through to the information relevant to our users. Members can also create their own too.
Mamazou has been very fortunate in teaming up with some well established companies to enable members to win some fantastic giveaways, which are run on a monthly basis.
www.mamazou.comFacebook.com/mamazou85Instagram.com/mamazou85Uk.pinterest.com/mamazouu
Twitter.com/mamazouu
We have been live for two months and already have members from all over the world, right here in the United Kingdom, all the way to the United States, Denmark, South Africa, Canada and more. We all have different parenting styles; Mamazou is a community where parents are able to view and share those perspectives without judgment.
We look forward to seeing you online!
BUSINESS STAGES
Be Part Of The Fastest Growing Local Mums Network In The UK
Alex Uprichard and Dawn Hayes launched Mums In The Know when they spotted an opening for an interactive, social media-heavy and hyperlocal online resource for parents.
Mums in the Know is now a fast-growing community of websites featuring not only what’s on information for families, but also an essential guide to bringing up children in local areas. Social media interaction is key to its burgeoning appeal, with followers receiving tweets and Facebook messages throughout the day suggesting everything from toddler groups to attend that morning, to live events and outdoor attractions for the weekend.
The network is now reaching over 200,000 parents on a monthly basis, and is well on track to hitting their target of 1,000,000 readers soon. The sites are lauded as ‘first for mums’ in all the local areas they cover.
Alex Uprichard comments, ‘The Mums in the Know local sites are mobile integrated and we use social media to give Mums daily inspiration on what to do with the kids. Our readers love the fact that we remind them of all the great opportunities for activities & outings in their area direct to their smart device- no need to hang on to old magazines and flyers. Plus our area managers are continually updating their sites so our info is in real time and locally targeted. Our biggest selling point is our upbeat and friendly tone- we bring the fun to family life!’
From one local website in Wilmslow, 50 self-employed local area managers- largely women in their 30s with young children – are now on board running local Mums in the Know websites, from Edinburgh to Southampton.
The MITK concept is proving popular with advertisers as well as mums with Mums In The Know advertisers now numbering more than 300 from local kids classes and businesses to large brands such as John Lewis, onthebeach.co.uk, Weight Watchers and more. Businesses can advertise on a national or local level and Mums In the Know also offers sponsorship opportunities, market research surveys and focus groups for mum-friendly brands.
‘Throughout 2015, we aim to build our number of local sites significantly from 50 to around 150. We are on the hunt for entrepreneurial Mums who are ‘in the know’ about their town, love social media and are great at sales to join our growing team. Roles are commission based and we don’t charge any set up or franchise fees. Our aim is to have a Mums in the Know site in every county of the UK by 2016! ‘ says Dawn Hayes.
Are you interested in running a Mums in the Know local area? Head to www.
mumsintheknow.co.uk/join-us/ to find out more.
Visit www.mumsintheknow.co.uk to find a local site near you.
BUSINESS STAGES
Imagine being able to fit your work around the needs of your family, without the need for expensive
childcare costs. Imagine being able to work part-time, flexible hours to achieve a full-time income whilst being your own boss, so that family commitments can
take priority.
My name is Jeanette Farrar & when I joined Visalus, The number one weight loss and fitness platform that has recently hit the UK & Europe with storm, just short of two years ago, & at the time I knew very little of running my own successful business. But what
I did know, as a mum of two who was then stressed, feared, and overwhelmed with juggling family, and work life I needed change And quick! Ultimately my health declared it!.
Faced with an auto immune condition that according to my immunologist was brought on by stress, & then ruled my everyday existence, I needed to take check of my work/life balance. Yes, I still needed to work, pay the bills, but I needed to do it from the comfort of my own home, a true lap top lifestyle. Sustained flexibility, control and balance to maintain what I had already worked so hard for and to further enjoy my ideal family lifestyle and motherhood every step of the way.
Thankfully, I have achieved just that, with full support and training being provided every step of the way. Most importantly, I have got my health back. Now I’m passionate about paying that forward, to help other driven people to create successful businesses: earning a great living and making a difference. Or simply helping people with our affordable product that works & ultimately help fight one of the Worlds biggest problems today, the Obesity Epidemic. Literally taking weight off the world one person ata time and ten pounds at a time. Providing a great solution and a groundbreaking, powerful business opportunity that allows you to drastically change the lives of others (physically and financially) starting with your own!
Freedom, Flexibility & Family The Ultimate Work Life Balance
For more information contact Jeanette on:0115 9394123/07809 557392
Also find me on Facebook: [email protected]
www.weighthelpmate.bodybyvi.com
Today, I am one of the top UK business coaches and lead a strong network of like minded parents, whilst enjoying a lifestyle that I never dreamed possible. My team is fast expanding across the UK & Europe and I am currently recruiting like minded people to join in the success.
Get in contact to hear my story personally and to find out how I can help you cherish every opportunity in Business, Parenthood and Balance.
BUSINESS STAGES
After having their daughter, Grace, in January 2014, Katherine and Tom experienced many broken nights, and soon realised that a nightlight is an essential companion to nocturnal parenting. During this time, they founded CozyGlo – what they see as the answer to the lack of quality children’s nightlights by tending to the needs of both parents and children.
The business has come a long way from being simply an idea. The initial range introduces three cute characters: Colonel Comfort, Papa Penguin and Beatrice the Rescue Dog – the perfect bedtime buddies to give children the reassurance they need. But the lights have also been designed to suit the needs of parents. They emit a calm, soothing glow, and have a range of functions (dimmer, clock/stopwatch, thermometer, sleep trainer) to give parent and baby as much rest and peace of mind as possible.
Katherine and Tom have come this far and have realised how much money and time is needed to get a product off the ground. CozyGlo is currently crowdfunding the cost of producing the lights at www.born.com/cozyglo - here you can pre-order one of the first CozyGlo nightlights and support Katherine and Tom to help bring these adorable characters to life!
Crowdfunding page: www.born.com/cozygloTelephone number: 07887875924
Twitter: @cozygloinfoFacebook: facebook.com/cozyglo
Instagram: @cozyglo
I created Project Me to help mums find a happier balance between the kids - and everything else. I offer easy to use
worksheets to help mums help themselves, no matter how busy they are.
Project Me began as a book idea, but morphed into a website which launched in September 2013 and now has 3,000+ weekly subscribers to my Monday Motivator newsletter.
In hindsight what I’d have done much earlier is create paid services and offers. I put so much energy into the blogging and list building side of my business that I only had time to launch one small product. I now understand that my blog is not my business and I need to concentrate on creating products that’ll help my tribe of mums a lot more than a blog post could ever do. This is a shift I’m making now and I’m enjoying the challenge.
I’m about to launch my online Goal Setting course. I love teaching mums how to get clear about how they’d like each area of their life to feel and how to create small step action plans that’ll give them more control over their own happiness.
Get the free Project Me Life Wheel Tool to help you quickly figure out which area of your life could use some focus first.
The first Project Me retreat takes place this Spring in Ibiza with more retreats and workshops to come.
www.myprojectme.comwww.facebook.com/myprojectme
BUSINESS STAGES
The idea of the Parlour Pet Boutique was conceived and has developed over the last
year. We absolutely adore our animals (all 11 of them (not including 2 little monkeys of the human variety!)); they are part of our family. What we have noticed since becoming pet owners is that there are a mass of pet superstores around selling bright, mass produced products from all over the world but it is rare to find really gorgeous, natural, British products and staff in stores that are really passionate about animals and what customers really want.
The aim of the Parlour Pet Boutique is simple - to provide pet owners with high quality, stylish products at affordable prices, along with good old fashioned customer service. We are a fresh new approach to Pet Supplies and have been working really hard to find unique and innovative suppliers so that we can offer quality ‘not on the high street’ products to provide something really outstanding. I have made contact with some wonderful people and feel privileged to know a little about their stories and how they have come to create the products that they have. I am working with a few people on a commission basis, a model that benefits both them and the business. I am able to showcase a wide variety of fabulous items whilst keeping stock overheads lower. I am absolutely delighted to be working with Henny Penny Hen Houses (www.hennypennyhouses.co.uk) who make luxury hen houses – we have a ‘show house’ in store that should really be called a ‘wow house’ as that is what people say when they see it!
I managed to secure a start-up loan through the government scheme last year. I was matched with X Forces (as my family are all X Service personnel) who helped me to put together a robust business plan and apply for the funds. After an internal and external review process I was finally approved and will be opening the doors of my pet boutique on the 28th February 2015! There are many strands to the business as I don’t feel that I can rely purely on the footfall to the bricks and mortar, including a delivery service where customers can have their pet supplies delivered directly to their door on a regular basis for no extra cost – saving them both time and money (who doesn’t want that?!).
Our website (www.parlourpetboutique.co.uk) will be live by the 28th February ready for our opening weekend. Take a look and enter the promotional code MUM10 to receive 10% off your order. If you’re local (to Henley in Arden, Warwickshire), then come along to our opening weekend on Saturday 28th February & Sunday 1st March. We will be offering goody bags and a competition to win a pet hamper worth well over £100.
www.parlourpetboutique.co.ukwww.facebook.com/ParlourPetBoutique
BUSINESS STAGES
We join Miss Milly as the brand enters its third year of exciting growth. Started in 2012 in the depths of recession by Sarah Watmore, the company is a wholesaler of gorgeous jewellery and scarves. “I had previously established and run a wholesale and retail jewellery business for eight years,” explains Sarah. “But when my husband and I separated, we also split the company.
“I took half of the stock and office equipment, and basically started again. Having come from a corporate marketing background, I had always understood the power of branding and the positive impact it can have on a business.”It was this desire to establish a brand that has fuelled the company’s growth. Miss Milly is named for Sarah’s eight year old daughter who still loves to see her name in silver on the packaging. “Milly was also my Nanna’s name and represents the full span of girlhood that we appeal to,” she explains.
Sarah designs her products with suppliers all over the Far East. Some are established, factory-based exporters offering jewellery that is up to the minute in terms of trends, materials and processes. Other suppliers are families that Sarah found 11 years ago whilst travelling through South East Asia. They trade on market stalls, mainly selling to tourists. This is fair trade at its best; Miss Milly’s money goes straight to work to the benefit of their families.
Communication with these suppliers can be haphazard and sticking to delivery deadlines is often tricky but Sarah’s love for this way of buying outweighs the complications. “I believe that this combination of sourcing is the basis of Miss Milly’s unique offer, together with a very personal approach to the business. I love what I do and I care about the business. Despite being mostly web-based, I like to speak to my customers and find out how the products are selling for them,” enthuses Sarah.
At the start of February 2015 and on the strength of a fantastic Autumn/Winter season, Sarah took on her first employee.
“From July 2014, I experienced a surge in orders as the marketing campaigns finally paid off and Miss Milly became a brand that retailers really wanted to stock,” says Sarah. “I struggled to do everything in the business on top of being the best Mum I could be to Milly. Having help is a huge relief. It is fantastic to know that as I write this at a trade show in London, orders are still being processed at the office in Worcestershire.
“There is no denying that it’s tough to be a Mumpreneur. I don’t get to go to all the business events I’d like to and my brain rarely switches off but I do get to see Milly’s assemblies and attend sports day.”
So what advice would Sarah give to a mum thinking of setting up her own business? “Be prepared to not be prepared for everything! “You can have the best business plan in the world and be hugely efficient but ketchup stains on important documents when you don’t have time to reprint them and last minute sick days juggling wet wipes and websites will happen. Children are wonderfully adept at coming up with imaginative, unforeseen and impressive hurdles for the Mumpreneur.”
Browse the collections at www.missmilly.co.uk using code MUM for 10% off your order (expires 30/06/15). Contact Sarah on [email protected] for details on your nearest stockist or to find out more about Miss Milly’s Mums, a new scheme she is launching to enable Mums to earn commission by promoting the brand through word of mouth and social media.
BUSINESS STAGES
Bristol-based business The Detective Project is encouraging other regional business owners to enter
awards in 2015 - citing the credibility generated by award success as a factor in its business growth over the last year.
Former detective Jenny Williams combined her experience and knowledge of scenes of crime methodology with her experience as a Mum to her children now aged 12 and 13 to devise the event business which launched in June 2010.
Aiming to spark an interest in science and give participants the opportunity to experience ‘hands on’ challenges in crime scene investigation The Detective Project offers fun science-based events based on scene of crime analysis in the form of detective birthday parties, educational workshops and corporate events. Those taking part in events get to dress up as a Scenes of Crime Officer, confront a “crime scene” with skeletons and clues and are encouraged to use real life 21st century investigation techniques and cutting-edge forensic science theory and practice to solve the mystery. A winner of Mumpreneur 100 and a 2012 What’s On for Juniors award, a finalist in the NatWest Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF) awards in 2014 and a runner up in the Bristol Post Business Awards Start-up Award Category in 2014, The Detective Project has seen a year of continuous growth with turnover rising by 50 per cent in the last 12 months, partly, Jenny believes, as a result of the awards success. The business itself has also expanded from its Bristol base with franchise operations opening in North East Surrey in 2013 and South Essex in April 2014. “Sometimes it’s difficult for business owners - especially home-based business owners - to feel comfortable promoting our achievements. Talking to people about our successes and milestones doesn’t always come naturally!” says Jenny. “However, with 2.9 million home-based businesses in the UK contributing £300 billion to the economy, we really should be proud of what we bring to the table.
“Being recognised in awards helps you appreciate how far you have come and offers huge encouragement for the future. It’s also a fantastic reassurance to people who are interested in your services. It’s made a significant difference to helping us build our business and as we approach our fifth anniversary in 2015, we hope this will in turn inspire
other businesses to stake their claim in regional and national award success.”
The business attributes its success to date to its innovative business idea, its ability to work flexibly and keep costs low and the opportunity it offers franchisees to work from home and run their own exciting business. Its franchise opportunities are particularly ideal for former police officers, forensic scientists, teachers and event managers. Offering the opportunity to combine their experience and expertise with The Detective Project’s business package and training and enabling them to run a people-orientated familyfriendly business.
www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk0117 244 0053
BUSINESS STAGES
Meet MumPreneur Rachel Ray founder of Bright & Beautiful the ethical, professional and eco-friendly
homecare business, designed for busy people.
Having spent 15 years working in London and Australia as a Chartered Accountant and Business Consultant, Rachel was juggling her career and young family. Between business meetings, bath-times and bed-times, shopping, cooking, cleaning and trying to spend “quality time with the family”- something had to give! Rachel decided that the thing she most wanted to ditch was the household chores (rather than time with the family!) and looked for a domestic cleaning company to help. She was shocked to find an industry full of low quality providers and a work-force with little or no employment rights. Standards and reliability were low and the cleaning products were the usual toxic unhealthy brands.
So in 2007 Rachel launched Bright & Beautiful in Altrincham, UK. Right from the very first client the ethos was of pure, natural cleaning products; full fair employment rights for the team and an exceptional housekeeping service for clients.
Since then the business has grown from strength to strength with turnover exceeding £3million and over 50 franchisees around the UK employing carefully vetted professional housekeepers and servicing thousands of clients.
The Bright & Beautiful vision is to empower women (and some men), this means: Busy working mums who need our services to manage their home
As a busy working mum Rachel Ray (founder of Bright & Beautiful) was craving a calm ordered home. Like most busy parents she was juggling career, home and family demands. Rachel says “my vision was to create a holistic housekeeping service that didn’t just clean a home, but brought order out of chaos. I remember in the first six months of my business being at a women’s networking event and saying to the group“Imagine coming home after a busy day, the house is immaculate, not just clean, but the beds are made like a hotel, the lounge looks and smells inviting. All your
laundry is pressed and put away and your clothes are ironed and hanging in wardrobe. You have the opportunity to unwind or spend time with your family in a
clean and ordered environment.”Everyone around the table started to chat excitedly saying “that’s what I need” and “I can never find a good cleaning service”. I knew then that our vision was exactly what women need.”
Franchise owners who need a profitable and flexible business opportunity Having proven the business so well in her local area, after two years Rachel decided to expand nationally. As a Business Consultant she knew that Franchising was the obvious choice as it allows other like minded people to grow their own successful business and reap the same rewards.
Team members who want to work in a positive and fun environment, and The Domestic Cleaning Industry is notorious for exploitation and undervaluing it’s people. Often the work is cash in hand agency work with no fixed hours, no paid holiday and no insurance. At Bright * Beautiful all of the Professional Housekeepers are fully employed with proper employment rights. Rachel says “ Many of our team are working mums who also want to pick their children up from school and spend time with them in the summer holidays. We ensure that they are trained in our Expert Procedures and have career opportunities, bonuses and rewards for a job well done!”
The world’s poorest people who are supported by our charitable giving & micro-enterprises Bright & Beautiful supports a number of different charities that empower women and children and fund their own micro-enterprises in Rwanda. This is to give other families around the world some of the opportunities that we take for granted in the UK.
To find out more go towww.brightandbeautifulhome.com
BUSINESS STAGES
Toddler Fun Learning creates free to watch videos which focus on entertaining, engaging and educating the kiddies of today all around the world.
Founded with zero investment in March 2013 by husband, Christian who runs a video production company and wife, Amalie who has recently left her marketing manager role, they started to create the unique animations during evenings and weekends which are focussed around the stage their own kids are learning at. Finding the time to create the videos was a major struggle, whilst balancing hectic work lives with quality family time too.
2 years later, our videos have proved popular around the world. Our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/Toddlerfunlearning has had over 24 million views (an average of 50,000 per day) and we have over 32,000 subscribers. We currently have 38 live videos and are excited to be uploading a new video weekly.
We have ambitions of becoming the number 1 channel for family entertainment in the world and we are currently looking at expanding our target age range, along with employing talented animators.
My greatest satisfaction comes when a parent from the other side of the world emails to tell us their toddler has suddenly started counting from 1 - 10 after watching our videos - there’s not much better than that!”
www.toddlerfunlearning [email protected]
We set up Square Peg Clothing in 2014 after one of our directors two children were diagnosed with Autism and related syndromes. We found that children with Autism are often seen as naughty or strange because of their quirks and we wanted to change this perception through fun T-shirts and hoodies. Soon other disability groups were asking for designs and now we currently have 11 different designs spanning a range of disabilities.
We were always aware that Square Peg Clothing was to be a Not For profit organisations and as the clothing brand grew we started thinking about how we could give back to the community. Sensory experiences are so important to children with autism and many other conditions, for stimulation or relaxation. We had the idea of creating a sensory bus which would travel around the Midlands offering this service to a range of organisations and members of the public. We are currently fundraising to make this happen. We have big plans, we aim to have a sensory bus in every UK city then we will tackle the rest of the world.
We’re always looking to work with other companies interested in helping the disabled community and their carers.
BUSINESS STAGES
We run events and festivals. Our festivals attract between 10-25,000+ people over the duration they
are open. Being this big this quick didn’t come easy and it’s a slightly strange story of how we got to this point. In September 2014 Eventures Int. Limited was born. It was created by two directors from two already event type companies. Chloe Palmer who also runs TADA Events and Paul Cobb who ran a festival company owning one of the events called GosFest. Both these people already had great ideas for expanding but between them their skills and ideas were too bold and scattered, it seemed silly to run a number of companies. So they decided to start Eventures, she’s very much like a parent company to all her brands.
Between Chloe and Paul they have 8 children so they juggle a pretty busy task daily, anyway. They say if you want something done to ask a busy person. The great thing about the company is that although it’s new it has already been taught. We’ve taken on already successful brands and have grown them, we’ve learnt from the mistakes already because we already made them, fought them and prevailed from them in our other companies.
Eventures wants to create a world of excellence for our staff, our sponsors, our ticket holders, traders and all those involved in our events directly or in-directly. The best thing that works for us in business is although our ‘spending’ should be high, we love working on a business to business exchange. Our company has so many channels of exposure, contacts and subscribers as well as being across a range of audiences that other businesses of all sizes, like to work with us. It saves us money and also helps them.
In our first year we expect to exceed a turnover of £800,000. Which is pretty big business and it will continue
to grow. We would love to see people grow with us. As entrepreneurs, it’s a good idea to have a number of different skills behind you. Remember to use the talents of those around you as well. 2016 we are looking to expand our food festival across the UK to the Midlands and to the North.
‘’Once upon a time when I started in business, I was JUST a face painter, I networked, I worked long hours and then I realised that work was no longer work, it was a lifestyle, I really enjoyed. I think working for yourself or creating something always starts from doing something you love and sometimes amongst all the mistakes and fails you often discover paths and experiences you never would have come across if you hadn’t done it wrong. I really hope that there are other businesses out there that want to connect with Eventures and perhaps some of our events. Our events include, Cake, Bake and Food Festival, International Wedding Fayres, GosFest, Party in the Park Havant, Gosport Carnival and of course all our publications and mini-projects.’’ – Chloe Palmer
BUSINESS STAGES
BUSINESS STAGES
Are you a small business owner? Would you like a new revenue stream? Would you like to engage with
your clients and customers online via live video from the comfort of your own home?
Welcome to ginicam.com the interactive video broadcast platform for one-to-one and one-to-many engagements. Ginicam gives anyone, anywhere the tools to share & monetise live video. It allows you to connect with your fans, clients and staff via computer & mobile to engage, host events and sell products.
If you deliver any type of consultation, advise your clients on their business or maybe youÕd like to host a live Q&A session for your followers. You can do it on Ginicam.
The best part, is that Ginicam only makes money when you make money. We take 20% of all transactions on the system and the remaining 80% is yours.
Ginicam helps celebrities and business professionals to monetise their online presence. Self published author, Steph Boddy launched the UKÕs first online Paranormal Club on ginicam.com. Having sold 8,000 copies of her first book, self published, Steph wanted to connect with her fans on a more intimate level and help build momentum before her next release. Every month, Steph meets her fans on Ginicam for an interactive web chat, they exchange spooky stories and compare notes on the paranormal and Steph has already had a large number of pre-orders for her next book.
When asked what she thinks of the new software platform Steph replied ÒPreviously, I could only meet my fans at scare conventions and my own book launch. Ginicam has given me a perfect platform to increase my reach. Not only am I growing my database, IÕm also raising money for a charity very close to my heart, Parkinsons UK.Ó
Steph is one of the first people who have already embraced Ginicam and there are many more events scheduled for 2015. Social Dynamos, a Berkshire based social media consultancy are releasing a series of live and interactive 10 minute sessions delivering social media tips to help small businesses increase their marketing reach. After their extensive research, the dynamic duo, found that many small businesses needed basic training to help them on their first steps to becoming socially savvy. Hazel from SD explained Òour customers donÕt always have enough time or budget to travel to large expensive conferences or pay for in-depth marketing analysis but we realised that using Ginicam we could service an extremely lucrative part of the market. Mumpreneurs can fit our live bite size sessions in to their daily routine.
As a broadcaster Ginicam gives you complete control as you decide when to broadcast, for how long and how many tickets you sell. It really is that simple.
The software is available on Windows, Mac as well as tablets and mobile phones. WeÕre currently looking for service providers and professionals who want to broadcast online with the help of our dedicated support team. So if this sounds like you please get in contact using the details below.
Ginicam really is the place for living life live!
www.ginicam.com
BUSINESS STAGES
I had what I considered to be a lovely career running a business
centre in Chiswick but it was very demanding 7 - 7, being on call and mentally draining. After the birth of my son, I felt I couldn’t give the same dedication to the job,
especially whilst he was so young - he was born 7 weeks premature so life was somewhat emotional and chaotic so I needed to take a break.
Having always been on the lookout for the right job it was almost a ‘fate a complit’ when having got our iPad’s I was looking for something to fit my love of colour and design and all I had to choose from was a sea of fake leather brown, black or blue covers. Around this time Amazon also launched the Kindle keyboard and we just felt that both products would be loved as much by women as men, yet there was nothing on the market case wise. So the opportunity had presented itself and we jumped at the chance and Lente Designs was born! My husband was working full time & I was working 3 days a week, so we had to work really long hours, every evening 7 days a week. It’s amazing how you can train yourself to keep going when you’re so excited and buoyed by a new adventure. Luckily my husband had a stable job & he was extremely supportive of the new business - I think because he saw it as a way to purchase all the latest gadgets without getting told off!
Did I feel confident about running a business? Definitely not! Previously I ran a business centre, it’s a bit like a hotel for businesses. I guess this is where the little flame of - perhaps I can do this in the future - started to burn just tentatively. Seeing first hand businesses
doing well and expanding, to the recession with companies having to retrench. I also had fantastic bosses who allowed me to grow into the role. They had both been very successful in their own right, so I learned a massive amount from them from their experiences and from the experiences we were going through together.
I think my friends would say I’m a frustrated “colour person”. I love decorating my house and trying to do different things. And as much as I love a new handbag, shoes or a vase, I love the idea of having a case on my technology that turns it from something metallic & sterile into something fun and colourful and just so much more interesting. I think as I’ve got older I want to have more fun expressing myself with colour and I hope our cases just give a big smile to people when they pull them out of their bag etc.
Our aim at Lente Designs is to ensure our cases are ageless, timeless, fun and affordable. We clearly have many, many more competitors now compared to 2010 and it’s always hard to stay ahead but our new range of ‘whirligig’ designs for 2015 is so exciting and I can’t wait. No one has anything like this and the colour combinations go from risky to more traditional but I think there is something for everyone -
that’s what’s so appealing and so fun. It is a bit scary, thinking perhaps I’m the only person in
the world that is going to like this but luckily we do get it right some of the
time - but oh boy have we had a few failures which most definitely keeps us
on our toes and makes us not take for granted that we know what our customers
want. The support and fantastic feedback we have had from our customers definitely
does make all the hard work worthwhile.Helen RolfeCreative Director / Owner, Lente Designs
www.lentedesigns.com
[email protected]/LenteDesigns
twitter.com/LenteDesigns
Maddi Alexander, www.maddialexander.com the luxurious beauty brand with a conscience, recognises
how important it is to make time to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. With this in mind, Maddi Alexander continues to develop an exciting and innovative range of luxury bath, body and home fragrance products. Recent additions to the collection include: body wash, hand wash and hand lotion, pillow and room fragrance spray. They are all available in a variety of carefully selected essential oils. All products use natural ingredients and are free from parabens and preservatives.
To view and buy the full collection or for more information visit www.maddialexander.com
Analisa Ariss, founder and owner of Maddi Alexander knew that she wanted to create something that she believed in. Originally working as a fashion buyer, Analisa saw a gap for ethical products in the luxury market and made the decision to go it alone and invest in her new business idea. As a result, award winning Maddi Alexander is all about ‘Beauty with a Conscience’.
To view and buy the full collection or for more information visit www.maddialexander.com Retail Stockists:Fortnum and Mason, London
We were thrilled to have received a Gold website award for hellodaisy.co.uk. As an online boutique, ensuring that the customer experience is the best standard it can be is vital to our success. We want to ensure that every customer that shops with us will recommend us and come back time and time again. Receiving a Gold award gives us the reassurance that we are on the right track!
At hello daisy our range is small but perfectly formed. We wanted to pull together a unique collection of beautiful gifts hand picked for little ones, ensuring that whatever the customer chose they were going to love. By having a more compact range, we hope that our customers will find it easier to pick something they will be really excited to give or receive.
There is a very distinct feel about hello daisy, every thing stocked is a
little bit different and fits in well with our band. On our hunt for
unique stock, we fell head
over heels with organic, Fairtrade
and anything made or designed in Britain. We don’t limit ourselves to
these products but when we come across them,
we find it truly hard to resist them!
www.hellodaisy.co.uk
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Bright & Beautiful is a professional management franchise opportunity in a high growth industry.
Multi-award winning Bright & Beautiful is perfect for mums who want a great income with hours that fit around your family.
With this home-based business you can create a £50k plus income but with flexible hours that fit around your family. Bright & Beautiful is a new concept in domestic cleaning and housekeeping with exceptional client service and attention to detail. We have unique marketing techniques, combined with the latest web-based management software plus an ethical and eco-friendly philosophy.
As the owner of a Bright & Beautiful franchise, you do not have to clean, your time is spent managing the business from home and networking with other professional working mums who need our services.
Bright & Beautiful was founded by Rachel Ray, a mum of 2, winner of Manchester Business Woman of the Year 2011 and Finalist of NW Female Entrepreneur 2012 and Franchisor of the Year Award 2013. Bright & Beautiful is also the Winner of Best Home Based Business of the Year 2013.
Rachel says “Most of our franchise owners are mums like myself and the business is perfectly designed to enable busy mums to have their own successful business but still pick their children up from school and be a great parent”
Bright & Beautiful has been featured in many publications from The Sunday Mail, BBC News, Red, The Huffington Post to Elle Decoration.
If you would like to find out how this business could work for you speak with one of the Franchise Development Team on 01619299175 email [email protected] or click on the following links to find out more.
Franchise Opportunity | Our Franchise Story | Listen to our Franchisees | Franchise News
“I would recommend Bright & Beautiful to any Mum wanting to get back in to work. I now earn over £70k per year from my business and we are still growing fast due to popular demand and word of mouth from lots of happy clients! My quality of life is excellent; I can run my own business with lots of dedication but within part-time family-friendly hours!” Faye McDonough Altrincham & Sale Area
“From the minute I stepped in the room I felt inspired and eager to learn about how to make my business a success. The course was full of laughs and I am excited to be working with a great set of people.” Paula Abbey, Cheshire
“The initial training course was informative and fun, I love being my own boss and it’s great to know that there is such fantastic ongoing support from a fabulous group of inspiring/empowering women”Jo Wilkinson , Lincoln
“I love the fact that I can be my own boss, nurture my team and build a really successful business so that me and my family can reap the rewards” Sarah Reeves, Bucks.
Do I have what it takes?
We are looking for franchise owners who are positive, determined and share our ethics and values.
If you are:- Good at managing people- Calm under pressure- Ambitious and focussed- Organised and efficient- Would love to earn a great income with family friendly hours
...then you need to email [email protected] with your name, postcode and phone number. We will email you a prospectus and arrange a brief Discovery Chat via telephone.
A Profitable, Flexible & Ethical Franchise in a High Demand Industry.
B U S I N E S SOPPORTUNITY
Become an Area Manager
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Meet Mumpreneurs, Make Money, Have Fun!
- Enthusiastic- Enterprising- Motivated- Friendly
- Dedicated- Organised- Fun- Interested?
After many years of requests for local networking groups, Mumpreneur UK is extremely proud to present our latest initiative...
We intend to set-up monthly networking meetings in over 60 locations across the UK and Ireland as a way to help Mumpreneurs develop local support networks whilst generating business for one another.
The most exciting part is that we’re recruiting!!!
Are you:
For a small annual licence fee, we will get you started with your own regional networking group, publicity, launch, ongoing promotion and much more!
To get further details, please email [email protected] using the subject line ‘Networking’
Baston House School • BromleySpecialist independent day facility for children diagnosed with autism aged between 5 & 16 years
l A centre of excellence in education and development.l Local Authority referrals welcomel Admissions now being taken for Primary and Secondary
School
The following open morning is planned for parents andcarers wishing to find out more about Baston House School
Thursday 5th March 2015 (Starting at 10am)
For admissions and information about upcoming eventscall 020 8462 1010 or visit
www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk
Baston House SchoolBaston Road • Hayes • Bromley • Kent BR2 7AB
Hillingdon ManorThe largest school for children with autism, in the UK & Europe
Specialist independent day education for children aged between 3 and 19.
The following open mornings are planned for parents and carers wishingto find out more about Hillingdon Manor school:
Yiewsley Grange (Lower School)Wednesday 25th March 2015 • Wednesday 29th April 2015(all starting at 11.00am)Tel: 01895 420315 for further information
The Manor (Upper School)Thursday 12th February 2015 • Thursday 19th March 2015(all starting at 11am)Tel: 01895 813679 for further information
Local Authority referrals accepted. • Access to the National Curriculum.
For more information about admissions, open days and events, visitwww.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk or contact the Head Teacher,Akinyi Dulo on 01895 813679
Baston House School • BromleySpecialist independent day facility for children diagnosed with autism aged between 5 & 16 years
l A centre of excellence in education and development.l Local Authority referrals welcomel Admissions now being taken for Primary and Secondary
School
The following open morning is planned for parents andcarers wishing to find out more about Baston House School
Thursday 5th March 2015 (Starting at 10am)
For admissions and information about upcoming eventscall 020 8462 1010 or visit
www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk
Baston House SchoolBaston Road • Hayes • Bromley • Kent BR2 7AB
Hillingdon ManorThe largest school for children with autism, in the UK & Europe
Specialist independent day education for children aged between 3 and 19.
The following open mornings are planned for parents and carers wishingto find out more about Hillingdon Manor school:
Yiewsley Grange (Lower School)Wednesday 25th March 2015 • Wednesday 29th April 2015(all starting at 11.00am)Tel: 01895 420315 for further information
The Manor (Upper School)Thursday 12th February 2015 • Thursday 19th March 2015(all starting at 11am)Tel: 01895 813679 for further information
Local Authority referrals accepted. • Access to the National Curriculum.
For more information about admissions, open days and events, visitwww.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk or contact the Head Teacher,Akinyi Dulo on 01895 813679
(all starting at 10:30am)
Comic Relief will see a new spin on an old idea. Strictly Come Dancing will be returning but this time it’ll be known as The People’s Strictly and one of oue very good friends will
be hitting the floor.
Our very own Anna Kennedy OBE will be putting on her dancing shoes to take part along side Natalie Lowe, Janette Manrara, Aljaz Skorjanez, Aliona Vilani, Robin Windsor and Ian Waite.
Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the four-part version which will air in the lead-up to Red Nose Day on March 13, will feature real-life heroes instead of celebrities.
‘The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief ’ will air on BBC One in the lead up to Red Nose Day due to start on February 23.
Originally from Middlesbrough, Anna, 54, remortgaged her home to set up a school for other autistic children when her sons, Patrick, now 25, and Angelo 21, now, were turned away from mainstream education.
Now living in London, she is also the founder of ‘Autism’s Got Talent”, the first show of its kind which encourages children and adults to perform on stage in front of packed audiences and she has lobbied the Government to make autism diagnosis consistent across the UK. .
The other contestants signed up to take part are Phillip Barnett who has raised more than £2 million after founding a children’s theatre charity 20 years ago, Trishna Bharadia, who as an MS sufferer has worked to raise awareness around the condition, Cassidy Little, who lost the lower half of his leg in an explosion while serving as a medic in Afghanistan and helped his colleagues through rehab, Heather Parsons, who set up a charity to support intensive care patients and their families and Michael Pattie, who has raised £300,000 for meningitis charities.
It’s StrictlyBusiness
Congratulations to all the 2015 Au t i s m’s G o t Ta l e n t a c t s .
As ever, it’s been such a difficult job selecting the final acts for May. We were so, so sad to say sorry to some
fabulous performers but hopefully we’ll see them in future shows – never give up as Anna would say!!
We love to showcase a huge variety of performers that are out there and this year is no exception. We have singers, dancers, drummers and bands to name a few. In previous years we’ve had a stand-up performer, young author, acclaimed ballet dancer, opera singers to name but a few. If you feel you know someone with an outstanding talent or you think you’d like to give it a go, apply for 2016. Better still join us in May and see how amazing our unique show is.
At AnnaKennedyOnline we pride ourselves on showcasing the amazing talents of people from our community. Year after year we’ve produced a show to rival any other out there, proving our point that our children and adults who are on the spectrum have so much to contribute to society. Highlighting this and making a ‘big song and dance’ about it breaks down the barriers and educates those that don’t understand.
SO, if you haven’t been to one of our shows – what’s stopping you!! Come and support these fantastic young performers who have taken the courageous step to making their dreams come true!
Contact Lisa at [email protected] to get your order form today!
MOTHERS DAY GIFTS
Surprise your Mum! Online colour analysis!
Send a photo, we suggest best colours. Plus a FREE
lipstick to complement her colouring.
Price : £25.00
www.janefardon.com
For new mummies and mummies-to-be visit Lucy
and Belle to see our beautiful range of changing bags and accessories.
This bag from luxurious Spanish brand, Pasito a Pasito is also available in blue and beige.
Price: £53.00 (includes free UK delivery)
www.lucyandbelle.com
Vintage Nature Wash Bag
Marks and Spencer
£12.50
Pink Champagne Truffles
Hotel Chocolat
£11.00
Louche Silver Hammered NecklaceJoy
£6.00
La Maison de Senteurs Gardenia Rose Scented Candle
Marks and Spencer£6.00
MOTHERS DAY GIFTS
This set contains all 3 our best sellers that aid
in ultimate fight against cellulite. Formulated to work both on the surface and in depth, this revolutionary treatment has multiple performance that can be seen with the naked eye within 2-3 weeks. Made with natural
and Organic Ingredients.
Also available on Amazon
Price: £67 (currently on sale for £55!)www.sweetsationtherapy.co.uk
Phat QR Solutions Anti CelluliteCollection
www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk
YUMMY TREATS FOR MUMMY
Gifts for Mother’s Day from Cookie Crumbles:
Further informationo Baking Club: a three-month membership costs £18 and a six-month membership costs £33. o Our six baking mixes are available at £4.50 per pack.o A variety of gift boxes can be found from £11.50.o All available at www.cookiecrumbles.co.uk
• Baking Club Membership – a delicious treat arrives every month!
• A selection of six baking mixes made from the most natural
ingredients.•A special baking gift box available in various sizes.
Benefit How to look the best
at everything complexion kitDebenhams£35.00
Leather Work Tote
Accessorize£95.00
Blue Flower Jewellery SetDorothy Perkins
£10.00
Mother’s Day
Sunday 15th
March
