Impropriety CIC Prove That With A Lot Of Hard Work and a Little Imagination Anything Can Happen (Literally)

After organising and running Liverpool’s first improvathon in memory of Ken Campbell, former Artistic Director of the Everyman Theatre, Rosie and Angie had no idea that almost 5 years later they would embark on their greatest role yet, as directors of a successful Community Interest Company (CIC).

Photo: Lucy Hannah Photography

Formed in 2008 by the group behind the first improvathon, Impropriety have been performing shows and running workshops ever since. Angie and Rosie decided to register the business a Community Interest Company after positive audience responses and growing interest.

Impropriety CIC are Liverpool’s premier improvisation theatre company. ‘We use fun, games and messing about a bit to create scenes, songs and silliness never seen before, or to be seen again! With professional performers from a variety of backgrounds, Impropriety creates its own unique style that’s high on improv, low on script.’

Between them, the pair boast a wealth of performing arts experience which has laid a solid foundation from which the company has grown.

Angie: ‘I am a founder member of Kabosh Theatre Company in Belfast (20 years this year!) and was a touring stage manager and actor for many years. I had previously received a BA hons in Theatre Studies from the University of Ulster.'

Rosie: ‘As well as working in an arts café, I’ve been working on various shows and events as a director, technician and stage manager. I also attended Liverpool Hope University where I got a BA hons in Drama and Theatre Studies with English Literature.’

Both run the company alongside full time jobs to ensure that as well as any funding they may receive, they can rely on themselves with finance being key to their business.

‘The main barrier to starting any artistic business is money.  Funding for the arts is always tight so we had to be sure we were in a position to self-fund. Working in the arts for so long means we understand that sometimes you need to take jobs that aren't necessarily related to your chosen profession to pay the rent.’

During the process of registering Impropriety as a CIC, the duo received support from The Women’s Organisation.

‘Starting up a business sounded very daunting, especially taking on the responsibilities of being Directors. It was really nice to find out it wasn't as daunting as we first thought!’

‘Claire our business advisor helped us a great deal, especially with our business plan and financial forecast. We got help with the actual setting up as a CIC and a business bank account. They also gave us a £200 grant package which was nice!’

Becoming a CIC has enabled the Liverpool residents to do more work in schools and access more funding opportunities, which has dramatically increased their reach which has of course had an impact on the size of the company. Impropriety CIC has now seen its most successful year to date, with 80% of their projects coming from people and organisations who have approached them.

‘Being a theatre company, the outcome of our hard work in the office results is seeing audience members laughing a lot, both loyal followers and new audiences. We are also able to spread “improv love” to many more people now, whether that is local schools or public workshops.’

The pair are extremely proud of where the decision to become self-employed has taken them. Along with others who have been involved in running the company for the past few years unofficially, Rosie and Angie feel privileged to be the ones to take Impropriety to the next stage of its evolution.

‘We are very grateful to The Women's Organisation for all their help and support in setting up the company and are excited to take Impropriety to the next level.’

Impropriety CIC are a shining example of how choosing to move forward with something you love and having a good understanding of an industry can be very rewarding and beneficial, both to themselves and the organisations, people and communities they reach.

If you would like to get involved in the unpredictable world of improv, visit www.impropriety.co.uk to find out more about the workshops you can get involved in, both public and private. For more information, you can contact directly via improprietyliverpool@gmail.com and to see what it’s all about, Impropriety can be found on Youtube: ImproprietyUK   Twitter: @impropriety   Facebook: facebook.com/impropriety 

If you would like support with a business idea or passion of your own, contact The Women's Organisation for free 1-2-1 business advice sessions and business related workshops hello@thewo.org.uk / 0151 706 8111 or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk 

Portrait photograph by Lucy Hannah Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

Mega Stars Academy Dance Their Way To A Guiness World Record

Mega Stars Academy, Quality Steps and scout groups across Manchester have broken the street dance Guiness World Record for the number of people doing the same dance for a specific amount of time.

Together with fellow Manchester based dance school Quality Steps, Mega Stars Academy took to the stage in front of 1100 adults and children, ready to demonstrate the dance moves for everyone in the crowd.

‘Everyone was excited and nervous. It was a great experience for all the children and adults involved.’

After 2 practice runs it was show time. Mega Stars initiated a group dance that involved 1100 people doing the same dance moves at the same time for a total of 5 minutes 30 seconds. This was enough to break the previous record and propel all involved into the Guiness World Records.

Humbled by the response, owner Emma Hothersall told The Women’s Organisation: ‘We are all so happy to be part of the winning team and to be able to say we have a Guiness World Record.’

‘Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to do something spectacular that I would be remembered for. Finally my dream has come true and I got to share it with all the children from Mega Stars, Quality Steps and the scouts.’

Mega Stars is a performing arts academy that grew from Emma’s strong belief that children have the ability to shine and with the right guidance they can achieve their dreams. The academy aims to make these dreams come true through performing arts.

With the business thriving, Emma is eager to expand the Mega Stars name with the help of The Women’s Organisation’s growth programme. She told us: ‘I’ve had amazing help and support from Mike, my advisor. He has helped me to see the bigger picture of how I can successfully grow my business and develop my franchise plan sooner than I originally expected.’

‘Mike has a great way of explaining business plans and how to maximise my business ideas. Without The Women’s Organisation I would still be going around in circles.’

If you or your children would be interested in getting involved with the events Mega Stars Academy hold and the opportunities they offer, visit http://megastarsacademy.co.uk/ or call 07813 615131

Through the Venture Accelerator programme, women can be linked with a specialist business growth adviser who will offer tailored support to take their business to the next level. So if you are a woman-led business in the Manchester area eager to grow your business, contact programme manager MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out more.

Self-employment Is The ‘Perfect Fit’ For Milliner Sue Wood

It's a very exciting time for passionate milliner Sue Wood after being selected as a ‘Making Headway’ Designer for Stockport Hatworks Museum, funded and supported by Mary Portas and The Arts Council.

Photo: Jessica Lang Photography

The exhibition showcases the work of 13 up and coming milliners and will follow her through her 2014 spring/summer collection and into the 2014/15 autumn/winter collection, culminating in a selling exhibition at the Hatworks which commences May 2014.

‘My style is vintage inspired with a contemporary edge and my work is handcrafted using traditional methods and, where possible, up cycled materials. My choice of materials and textures reflects the contemporary relevance of vintage, whether that’s a good material or a good idea, fusing vintage style with contemporary design.’

Gold Silk Turban on a Fine White Straw Peaked Hat 

Centrepiece Gold Medallion in Pleated Silk 

Sue’s reason for setting up in business was simple; she fell in love with millinery. She told The Women’s Organisation: ‘I have a smaller than average head and struggled to find a hat to fit me for my daughter’s wedding. I have always been creative and began to experiment to improve the fit. I enrolled on a millinery course with Rose Cory (the late Queen Mothers Milliner) and after 3 days I was hooked. I then followed on with a 10 week course at Liverpool Community College before embarking on HNC course at Leeds College of Art, Graduating in 2013 with Distinction and Higher Distinctions.’

The hat lover told us how starting up Sue Wood Millinery was a straight forward process with the support of The Women’s Organisation. ‘I enrolled on several day courses surrounding
business start-up. I found that the session on how to do a Business Plan was particularly helpful, as well as social media training and Tax and NI.’

Silver Cap with Beautiful Veiling
  Silver Textured Fabric Scarf Detail
     

Commenting on the Accelerating Women's Enterprise programme, part funded by European Regional Development Fund, Sue said: ‘Having a personal advisor was very useful, he directed me towards courses which were appropriate for  me to attend, forthcoming events, as well as being available to answer any queries as they arose. I also took advantage of the option to meet with my personal advisor locally, with the majority of my meetings being held in Heswall Library, which meant I could slip out of the studio for a quick meeting rather than taking an afternoon off to go to Liverpool.'

Sue enjoys ongoing support in the form of The Women’s Organisation’s Business Club and has attended numerous women only networking events. ‘Being in the company of so many local entrepreneurial women in a beautiful building (54 St James Street) that creates an inspiring environment to work in and visit is amazing. Having the support and encouragement of the knowledgeable team at The Women’s Organisation is very reassuring. As a result I’m feeling more confident and better equipped to tackle the challengers that lay ahead.’

Beautiful Hand Crafted Vintage Rose

The most important thing for the Wirral resident is to design and make hats. She put a lot of thought into her business structure and decided that a premises would restrict her creatively, choosing instead to find shops that would be happy to stock her hats. Fenwick’s of York and Beau Hats in Oxton Village, Wirral, are amongst her current stockists, with plenty more boutiques and hat shops showing an interest.

Sue is also delighted to have been asked to work for the highly anticipated Lion King tour in Liverpool Empire, where she will be looking after the hats, doing repairs and general maintenance. This has sparked up her passion of working for films and theatre productions, as it’s a field she is most interested in.

‘I love the power of the hat. A hat can to instantly depict a mood, occasion or an era in the most dramatic and expressive way.’

White Straw Cloche with Satan Cord and Gold Beads
Adorned with Hand Crafted Silver Rosette

For Sue, nothing is more rewarding than designing and interpreting client’s ideas to produce something stunning. She also enjoys being in control of her own future, which is something self-employment certainly offers.

‘I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved so far, I feel empowered and very excited about the future and where this journey will take me.’

Whether you have a design in mind or you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, Sue is more than happy to talk. For a free consultation, contact her directly on  07801 970 195 / hello@suewoodmillinery.co.uk or visit http://www.suewoodmillinery.co.uk

And if you would like to express yourself further through a hobby by turning it into a business, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Portrait photo by Jessica Lang Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

For Emma Christiansen, Business is ‘All About Podiatry’

Owning her own Podiatry business had always been a dream for Liverpool resident Emma Christiansen. However, the chance came sooner than she had expected when the opportunity to buy an existing business presented itself.

Photo: Jessica Lang Photography

She told The Women’s Organisation: ‘It was the right place at the right time. It came 5 years sooner than I had originally planned, but it was definitely something I had wanted to do for a long time.’

With years’ experience of working as a podiatrist for the NHS and boasting a first class honours in BSc Hons Podiatry from the University of Salford, Emma felt she was ready to take the next steps in achieving her ambitions. ‘Although I took over an existing business, it was a leap of faith to set up in private practice. I haven’t looked back since.’

Based in the heart Runcorn Old Town, All About Podiatry Ltd is a friendly, professional podiatry/chiropody clinic that can cater for everyone’s ‘foot care’ requirements. ‘The practice has grown on reputation alone and is regarded by many as welcome relief from painful feet allowing our customers to feel like they are ‘walking on air’. It has a really positive impact on lots of people around Runcorn.’

With the business being held in such regard by the local community, it’s no wonder All About Podiatry Ltd has steadily grown over the past 7 years. Emma told us: ‘Things are going really well, it’s grown without any advertising, it’s all done by word of mouth. It’s been a controlled growth because of having a young child. When I first started I only wanted to work part time’ and it’s the flexibility and control that self-employment offers that the mum enjoys the most.

To aid the growth of her business, Emma participated in TheWomen’s Organisation’s WeMentor project. The programme paired business women with a mentor who could share their time and experience, whilst supporting them to develop a clear business strategy and improve business performance.

‘Although I already had focus, the programme gave me time to analyse and further focus on the areas I wanted to develop. My mentor introduced me to useful contacts and supported me and my business in the right direction.’

The successful Liverpool business woman’s advice to others considering starting or growing their business is ‘be organised and be patient because things don’t always go as planned, but that might be for the best. Spend your money carefully, don’t rush into anything. Be vigilant, be friendly and be good at what you do. Contact The Women’s Organisation and remember that good customer service is the key to success.’

Emma and her business have just secured a contract with Everton Football Club that will allow her to treat the staff, as well as contracts with Howdens Joinery and Algeos Ltd. Whilst discussing this, she noted how pleased she is with her progress and expressed her eagerness to make All About Podiatry a household name. ‘I am extremely proud of myself that I have achieved so much and been so successful in what is said to be one of the worst economic downturns, without even taking out any loans!’

‘I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the support of my husband and our families. Watch this space for the “All About” empire!’

To find out more about the services on offer, contact Emma directly on emma@allaboutpodiatry.co.uk / 01928 576 363 or visit www.allaboutpodiatry.co.uk

And if Emma’s success has inspired you to take your next steps, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk for more information on the free business support and training available to women in Merseyside.

Portrait photo by Jessica Lang Photography

By Beckie Kinsella 

Mother of 4 Rachel Williams Brings Imagination To Life With Rachie B

Rachel William’s business journey started with a moment of creativity when her 6 year old daughter wanted a garden in her bedroom. Eager to give her little girl the room she dreamed of, the mother of 4 began doing some research. Unfortunately the only desirable designs where in America and the prices were very high. This was when the Wirral resident decided to take things into her own hands and start-up Rachie B.

Photo: Jessica Lang Photography

Rachie B creates bespoke children’s themes on wallpapers, doors, tables, safety flooring, glass and window vinyls. The designs can be used for bedrooms, play areas, changing facilities, hospitals, schools, nurseries and libraries.

‘I design on nearly every surface and can create a world for children where their imagination can run wild. Just imagine being a child and walking into a nursery or their own bedroom with their name and designs coming to life. Whatever their passion is I can create it. I have children of all ages and being a mother, I know how children’s minds work but also how a parent feels about designing something that is going to be used in their home or business.’

Although very passionate about her new business venture, Rachel felt she lacked confidence at first. She told us: ‘Staying at home looking after children is another world to going into business. I had to learn to speak my mind, recognise difficult situations and deal with them effectively.’

With the support of The Women’s Organisation’s business start-up programme, Rachel’s confidence quickly grew. ‘My adviser saw a lot of me. She was amazing and helped me go through my figures which was a huge stumbling block to me, as I found it difficult to put a price to myself and then to get the best price for the best quality of products.’

‘I went on the free Business Planning and Building a Social Media Strategy workshops that The Women’s Organisation offered which were a really big help, it gave me the confidence boost I needed.’

Now her business is up and running and quickly growing in popularity, Rachel praises the perks of self-employment. ‘I struggled at first but to be honest I started Rachie B for me. To create something that was mine. I eat and breathe Rachie B and I have an adrenaline rush working for something that is mine. It gives me flexibility and allows me to work it alongside my family.’

With her new found confidence, the mother of 4 is more than willing to share her experience with others considering starting up. Her main point would be that marketing is key. ‘I didn’t realise how important the right wording on your website would be to bring you up the SEO rankings on Google. Find your customers, find your niche and market it to the people you think need your services. Gain as much knowledge as you can and know your competitors.’ She continued: ‘Don’t undervalue yourself, don’t price yourself too low.’

Rachel is eager to share her designs with people across the UK and move towards creating personalised designs for schools, hospitals and commercial nurseries.

‘I want children, parents and the general public to walk into a room or business I have designed and feel transported into another place. I dream of children being able to have a slice of their childhood where their own dreams come to life. I want to be able to give the best service to each and every customer no matter how big or how small.’

Let your imagination run wild with Rachie B’s designs by visiting www.rachieb.co.uk or contact Rachel on Rachel@Rachieb.co.uk / 07881 741 254 / 0151 909 2560

And if you would like to follow in Rachel’s footsteps and go ahead with that business idea you’ve been dreaming about or are in need of a confidence boost, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk / www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk


Portrait Photo by Jessica Lang Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

Venture Accelerator: Developing Business Growth with Manchester Women in Business

Women business owners in Greater Manchester can benefit from FREE support to take their business to the next level with The Women’s Organisation.  The Women’s Organisation who have been working in Merseyside since 1996 offering enterprise support to women, are pleased to announce the launch of their Venture Accelerator business growth programme in Greater Manchester.

Through Venture Accelerator women can be linked with a specialist business growth adviser who will offer tailored support to take their business to the next level.

Venture Accelerator Programme Manager Mike Marsden said “The first step to growing your business is committing to it. We encourage women to consider putting time aside and work ON their business not IN their business.  Taking that moment to reflect, especially with the support of an independent adviser, can help you focus on the possibilities.  Running a business day to day there are 101 things to keep us busy and can take our focus away from ever gearing up to the next level.  Developing a plan for growth means looking at what you are doing well that you can build on, and exploring possible new markets.”

Some of the women who have already benefited from the advice of Mike and his team have tweeted:

“Another informative meeting today with @TheWomenOrgManc” Mrs Frisbees All Naturals

“Anyone in the Manchester area has to be in touch with @TheWomenOrgManc for free business growth support. It’s absolutely brilliant!” Excalibur Inflatables

Mike says “There is a misconception that there is no funding for growth now.  All we hear about is the double dip recession, doom and gloom.  The good news is that there is help and finance available for business growth if you know where to look and have a solid plan.  It is a fantastic privilege to open that door for local women and see them get excited about where their business ambitions can take them.”

The Women’s Organisation’s Venture Accelerator programme of tailored support is open to:

• ·        Women-led businesses registered in Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Tameside and Stockport
• ·        Businesses looking to expand through taking on new staff or significantly increasing turnover through accessing new markets

Examples of ways The Women’s Organisation can offer support to businesses include:

• Growth Strategy - developing a clear growth strategy for a business aligned to their needs

• Access to markets – research, business planning, pitch preparation

• Strategic marketing – Sales and marketing development, social media/E-commerce

• Developing effective leadership – building leadership potential, tightening human resources and talent development

• Financial Management - raising finance, bid preparation, procurement

• Linking to Networks & Developing Strategic Partnerships – Finding people or talent through networking opportunities locally and globally, referrals to professional partners

• Corporate Social Responsibility

The Venture Accelerator Programme runs to June 2015 and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.  If you are a woman-led business based in the Greater Manchester area and you would like free advice to build your staff team or grow your turnover, contact programme manager MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out more about the help The Women’s Organisation can offer and follow @TheWomenOrgManc on twitter. 

 

Local Business Woman Lucy Antal Scoops An Award For Her Handmade Preserves

Being made redundant after 13 years of working in a Merseyside based Charity, Lucy Antal found it very difficult to find a new job at the age of 45.

Photo: Jessica Lang Photography

With experience in managing a cookery school and office systems for a group of restaurants and bars, this became the recipe for the Liverpool resident to move towards self-employment. ‘People have always told me that I should be making my living through food… It seemed like an opportunity to give it a go. I have nothing to lose!’

Following her redundancy, Lucy attended a ‘Become a More Confident You’ course at The Women’s Organisation. ‘I think it’s fair to say my confidence took a knock following the redundancy after 13 years in my former job.’

A confidence boost is just what she needed to regain her appetite and move forward. This is when she became aware of the free business start-up support The Women’s Organisation also offered.

‘The Women’s Organisation gave me business startup advice and the opportunity to attend a range of relevant courses. They were very supportive generally of what I’m trying to achieve.’ She continued: ‘It’s also been good to meet other women in a similar situation to share advice.’

Photo: William Lyons

‘Grab Your Spoon’ is the name under which food-lover Lucy already tweets and blogs about her passion for food, so it made sense that her business should adopt the same name. Grab Your Spoon produces a range of handmade preserves, jams, chutneys, relishes and marmalades.

‘I have a stall each month at Lark Lane Farmers market and have already got two outlets stocking my preserves – The Liverpool Cheese Shop and HomeBaked Anfield, and I’m currently talking to a third in the City Centre.’

Photo: William Lyons

Lucy and her products have quickly become a big hit, scooping a Gold award in the World’s Original Jam Awards for her Seville Marmalade.

In a recent press release, Awards and Festival organiser Jane Hasell-McCosh commented: ‘Congratulations to Grab Your Spoon on their award. It is one of a growing army of small artisan producers preserving one of our great British traditions.’

The next step for Grab Your Spoon is to launch an online shop and spread her passion for food far and wide. The self-confessed foody also aims to branch out and make additional products, such as handmade fudge and wedding favours. To further compliment her business, she also hopes to develop her writing to provide another income stream into the business.

Photo: Williams Lyons

Lucy was extremely grateful for any assistance she received whilst starting up. Her advice to other budding business women would be to ‘research lots! The information is out there. Accept any free help offered, even if you think you know all there is to know about a particular subject, you always learn something. Be open and kind. Share your knowledge and support other small businesses.’

For Lucy, business is all about the creativity and pleasing customers. ‘I love that the business is mine! No seriously, I love the creativity of cooking and I get great satisfaction from people enjoying my product.’

If you’re ready to ‘Grab Your Spoon’ and taste Lucy’s delicious range of handmade preserves, visit www.grabyourspoon.com or you can reach her at info@grabyourspoon

Twitter - @grabyourspoon and Facebook - facebook/grabyourspoon

And if Lucy's story has made you hungry to take your idea to the next level, contact The Women's Organisation for more information on the free business start-up advice, training and grant package available. 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk

Portrait photo by Jessica Lang Photography

By Beckie Kinsella