The business idea
Sandra Petty approached NBV in 2015. Although she had experience of teaching sewing and crafting classes, she needed support in how to run a professional retail premises when the opportunity arose to rent a double-fronted shop with her friend and business partner, Kay.
Sandra attended several workshops and was provided with tailored support to assist with the development of the business into retail premises from NBV adviser Mike Gibbs.
The challenges
Sandra and Kay had a limited budget of just £5,000 to commit to the new business. Dedicated support from her NBV adviser helped Sandra to utilise this in the most effective way to refurbish the premises, while maximising their joint resources as much as possible to supply fabrics and run sewing classes.
Sandra’s business plan has provided her with a new focus and structure.
“The Start and Grow programme has certainly helped me a lot. I would never have even thought of most of these new ideas we’ve had without it!“
Programme Impact
Sandra and Kay have already opened a second café business (The Craftea Café) selling homemade cake, next door to their original Love Handmade premises. This has proved to be a successful marketing strategy and their customer base is growing.
Sandra plans to extend the range of stock and sewing workshops. She will also offer the premises to budding craftspeople who are eager to teach their own classes in their unique environment.
Love Handmade aims to recruit one staff member within the next year and feeling optimistic about the future thanks to the ongoing support from NBV’s Start and Grow programme.
Love Handmade – Start & Grow stats:
2 Jobs Created | £5000 investment | £0 finance leveraged | 0% increased turnover | 12 hours of support | 2 training days | future growth: recruit staff
If you would like to follow in Love Handmade’s footsteps and benefit from the Start & Grow programme, contact NBV on: 0844 887 2568* or visit: https://nbv.co.uk/start-up/start-grow/