Hester Cox’s Business is Cruising Along Nicely with the Addition of a Second Boat to Star Narrowboat Holidays

Many people work from home, but successful business woman Hester Cox decided to take that one step further by turning her home into a business.

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

A 57ft narrowboat called Gloria was home for Hester but with growing frustration of often being mis-managed and undervalued, and a long term desire to run her own business, she realised to set it up as a holiday hire boat was a reasonably low cost, low risk way to start-up.

‘I have always had an inkling to run my own business, often I would see how businesses were run and I thought why are they doing it like that? I would do it like this. So coupled with the want to be in control of my own work, career, day to day life, as well as realise my own ideas, I got started with my own business.’

Star Narrowboat Holidays offers excellent quality and reasonably priced canal boat hire. Now with 2 lovely boats to choose from, Gloria and Queenie, Hester and her business aim to create a memorable experience to all who stay aboard.

Bridgewater Marina at Sunset

Based at the Bridgewater Marina just outside of Manchester City Centre, near Manchester Airport, it is a perfect location for people across the UK and abroad. The marina offers a rural retreat that often feels like it is a world away from city life.

Since setting her sails in 2012, the business has been hugely successful which has allowed for the purchase of a second boat and further growth. It is now at the point that people are having to be turned away because the dates wanted are already booked and the boats are receiving excellent reviews from guests.

‘I feel proud of my efforts so far, I have the press coming to me asking if they can include my business in their latest article or review which is amazing. I have learnt so much about business, decision making and myself.’

Gloria

‘I like that it has given me so much more confidence, I love that I am in control of my own life, and I love it when my hirer's cruise into the marina on return from their holiday and I can see in their faces that they have loved their time aboard. That’s when I know I’m doing my business well.’

In the beginning, many people questioned what Hester was trying to do and didn’t believe it would work. However, now with 2 boats, her business is sailing along nicely.

Hester believes part of this success is down to surrounding herself with a network of strong business women, via The Women’s Organisation’s Business Club. This helped to balance the negativity received by the people who doubted she could achieve a successful business.

‘I was nervous to attend my first business club event, but felt quite at ease and cared for afterwards because The Women’s Organisation staff and other business women in the club are relaxed and helpful. I came away buzzing and feeling far less isolated than I did to begin with.’

Queenie

She continued: ‘Their support is invaluable and has saved me hundreds of pounds. I have received on-going business support from The Women’s Organisation, it has been really useful. They have helped me decide what direction to take and allowed me to identify my strengths and weaknesses to move forward. Ruth gives me business advice sessions in my caravan, the one I bought to use as my office, it really helps to have someone connected to the organisation that has seen behind the scenes of my business. ’

If you would like to know more about what Star Narrowboats has to offer, the website has all the details, including more lovely pictures and specifics of each boat – www.starnarrowboatholidays.co.uk and if you fancy having a look in person,  Hester is happy to give a personal tour.

And if you would like to gain support to grow your own business, you can speak to The Women's Organisation about the help available via 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk or visit http://www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk/ for more information.

Just Months After Launching, Mercer Travel Has Really Taken Off

As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s about that time of year when most of us are already thinking ahead to next year. If you’re anything like me, you probably get stressed even at the thought of planning a holiday that suits everyone and would much rather someone else organise it for you. Lucky for us, long time banker turned travel consultant Ann Mercer recognised that need and has opened up her own bespoke travel business.

Credit: Magical Moments Photography

Mercer Travel offers fully protected long and short haul holidays, trips and cruises, and the best bit about it is that it’s all based around what you, your partner, friends or family want!

Ann told The Women’s Organisation: ‘After over 25 years in banking, I wanted the freedom and opportunity of doing things my way, be my own boss and do something different.'

Global Travel presented Ann with the opportunity she was looking for. They offered her the chance to buy a franchise and provided all training prior to the business launching, culminating in an intense certified two week training course.

‘This was an exciting prospect as I had wanted to leave the Bank for a while and was just looking for the right opportunity and timing. I started progressing the purchase of the travel franchise before I left, so because I already knew about the role and work of The Women’s Organisation through local networking, I decided to arrange an appointment to get the ball rolling.’

As part of their business start-up programme, through the Big Enterprise in Communities (BEiC) initiative funded by European Regional Development Fund, Ann was paired up with a business advisor who she met with regularly. She also accessed free business workshops including Basic Bookkeeping, Tax and National Insurance, Building a Social Media Strategy and a 2 day business planning workshop, Planning For Success.

‘The business courses were invaluable and certainly helped to put the business on the right track. I received help with my business plan, which was really useful, and supported with a small grant package.’

Now further down the line, Mercer Travel is in full flight. Ann has quickly increased her client base through networking and referrals, and is providing regular quotes, recommendations and bookings for customers.

‘I have recently partnered with The Wirral Wedding House to provide overseas weddings and honeymoons. In fact I have just booked a honeymoon for one of my colleagues who attended the same courses as me with The Women’s Organisation!’

After changing direction from Retail Banking and Wealth Management to travel, there is no looking back for the travel consultant who is enjoying the flexibility, freedom and challenge of working for herself.

Thinking about her journey, Ann commented: ‘I feel proud, accomplished, invigorated and ready to look forward to the regular monthly income again.’

Ann’s advice to those considering a change of career would be: ‘Do something you love, with me it was travel. Your passion will shine through and you will want it to work. Get advice from the right places and people, networking and persevere!’

So, if you’re ready to plan that dream holiday and would like the support of an expert, contact Ann on 0151 722 2286 or 07446 943838 or e-mail – ann@mercertravel.co.uk and you can also search 'Mercer Travel' on Facebook to keep up to date with what's on offer.

If you feel you're ready to start your journey to self-employment, call The Women's Organisation for a chat about how they can support you 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk 

By Beckie Kinsella

Portrait photo by Magical Moments Photography 

Diamonds are Not Just Orit’s Best Friend, They are a Booming Business!

For Greater Manchester resident Orit Adiri-Niemogha, Diamonds are proving to be a profitable best friend, as she has grown her business and increased turnover by 63% in the last year with help from The Women’sOrganisation’s Business Growth programme.

Having put her passion for sparkle into developing her business H & D Diamonds back in 2011, Orit was ready to take her business to the next level.

Orit arrived in England in the late 1990’s coming to London to study for an MBA degree.  It was there her relationship with diamonds blossomed as she found work in Hatton Garden, London’s diamond quarter. Orit reflected back on her journey.

“I worked in the diamond quarter in London for nearly eight years. In my first year, my role was to travel around the midlands area and sell loose diamonds to jewellers. Interacting with jewellers I realised very quickly how little did most of them know about diamonds.”

  

Having met the other love of her life, her husband, Orit decided for her family it was time to move on from the bustle of London and find better quality of life up north.  From there “it was only a natural progression to set up my own business and offer my expertise as a diamond grader to the public” she said.

Orit went on to set up H &D Diamonds Ltd., naming the business after the first letters of her children’s names, Havana and Dakota who she calls her “true diamonds”.

When Orit moved to the North West from London, she knew it could be a gamble setting up a business where no one knew her background and expertise, and she would have to build her networks almost from scratch.  The country was in the middle of a recession so it wasn’t going to be easy.  But setting up her online store, keeping overheads low, Orit was pleasantly surprised by the positive response to her hard work.

“A few years down the line I am now being approached by customers as well as suppliers. I have a circle of clientele that not only use me as their personal jeweller but also recommend me to their friends. There are times where I get to business events and meet people I never saw before who seem to know that I am ‘the diamond lady’ just by recognising me from my online visibility.”

Orit contacted The Women’s Organisation upon hearing about their Venture Accelerator Programme offering bespoke business growth support to local women. 

She told us “I received tremendous support from Mike Marsden, my business coach.  He supported me to find leads, to look at business collaborations, told me about free services available through the local university and other local training providers as well as linking me in to specialist social media support.  Put simply he offered suggestions of business growth in areas I did not operate much before and regular guidance when venturing into new direction.”

Since receiving help to grow her business Orit has not only seen an increase in her turnover, but she is now on her way to securing her first premises and is looking to recruit additional ‘H & D Ladies’ to help her promote the brand and work with customers.

Explaining the H & D Diamonds brand Orit told us “Although the shop is online, it is our aim to also give a face and a direct contact to the consumer. Each area of the UK will have a ‘H&D Lady’ assigned as a contact person, so you are assured of a personal service.  What makes us different is that not only do we offer bespoke services through a Bond Street jeweller, at the moment we are also the only suppliers in the UK of an Italian jewellery line that will be sold only in a handful of shops in the UK”.

Organisation and Social Media have proven essential to Orit’s business, and she credits her social profile for helping build her business presence online.  Reflecting on her success Orit told us that the key has been “persistence to my target and strong urge to learn from everyone I come in contact with.  I have also developed the ability to review and act upon trends in the market and positive attitude. I’ve learnt along the way not to mourn the adversities as they usually happen for a reason. They either teach you a lesson or pave the way to take your business to a better deserved place.”

To find out more about the bespoke service offered by H & D Diamonds Ltd. visit www.handddiamonds.co.uk.  Orit’s company can also be found on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter where you can follow @HandDDiamonds.

If you are a woman in Greater Manchester who has a business that is ready to grow, why not contact Venture Accelerator Programme Manager Mike Marsden via MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out more about how The Women’s Organisation can support you. 

Mother of 2 Hayley Patterson Is a Perfect Example of How Self-Employment Can Compliment Family Life With Her Business ‘Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire’

After having her second child, Hayley Patterson found it impossible to manage the work hours she had been given and was forced to leave. This left the Liverpool resident looking for other avenues that allowed for more flexibility around her family. She found this flexibility in self-employment.

Credit: Lucy Hannah Photography

Blessed with a creative streak and prior experience in floristry, Hayley decided to combine floral arrangements with a cart hire for parties and events. ‘I started by posting a few pictures on my Facebook and Instagram. I got really good feedback and as interest started to grow I started up a business page on Facebook and Twitter.’

In the early stages of starting up Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire, Hayley spotted an advert for free business start-up support for women in Merseyside with The Women’s Organisation. After getting in touch, she started meeting with a business advisor and booked herself onto free workshops including basic bookkeeping and tax and national insurance.

‘My advisor Jo was brilliant. It was great to have someone to help me look at things from a different point of view and talk about them. She helped me with the different aspects of setting up a business, especially the business plan, which helped me a lot. The workshops were also really good.’

‘When I first set up my business, I felt nervous and unsure but with the response I have had from people and the help from The Women’s Organisation, it has helped me be more confident and move forward.’

Hayley is very pleased with the benefits going self-employed has provided. Her business is based from home meaning that there are no overheads and no commute to work. Despite her commenting that it can get a bit hectic, it works for her because it allows for quality time with her children.

‘Being a mum of two young children makes it hard to juggle both sometimes, as I do work most weekends and evenings, but I am lucky that my friends and family are all so supportive in what I am doing.’

Things are going really well and the business is quickly growing in popularity. What makes Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire unique is the new addition of an ice cream car available for hire. Decorated in a walls ice cream theme, it serves Cornetto ice cream which has made it very popular.

‘The best thing about running your own business is the sense of pride and achievement you have in doing something you love doing and seeing the customer happy. I would recommend it to anyone who is really passionate about what they do.’

If you’d like to impress at your party or you would like a tasteful floral arrangement for a special occasion, contact Hayley on 07875 742535. You can also find Hayley’s Flowers and Cart Hire on Facebook.

If you would like more time to spend with your family whilst earning an income doing something you enjoy, contact The Women's Organisation for free start-up advice and support on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk 

Portrait photo by Lucy Hannah Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

Knowsley Resident and Photography Graduate Jessica Lang Goes Freelance at the Age of 22

When asked what motivated her to start a business so young, Jess replied: ‘Why not? I’m only young once so I may as well take the chance now whilst I’m in a good position financially and have nothing holding me back. I didn’t want to fall out of love with the practice after working so hard at University and going Freelance was just what I wanted to do!’

Credit: Lucy Hannah Photography

Based in Liverpool City Centre, Jess shares a studio with some friends whose own businesses are complimentary to her own. This, combined with her BA(Hons) in Photography, has set her up nicely as her client base steadily grows.

Throughout her time at university, the Kirkby resident built up quite a substantial following on social media. Utilising Facebook particularly well, she now boasts over 2000 followers of her page. Already pretty clued up on networking and marketing, she felt she needed support with the paperwork side of starting up a business. Admitting that she started out ‘messy’, with odd jobs here and there whilst having no idea how to charge or bill correctly, she contacted social enterprise The Women’s Organisation who offered her support through the Big Enterprise in Communities (BEiC) initiative funded by European Regional Development Fund.

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

‘I found The Women’s Organisation greatly supportive and understanding. My advisor was there in those baby stages so she witnessed me breaking down at times when I had no idea what I was doing. The workshops I attended were very informative and slowly introduced me to the world of tax and made it seem much less daunting. I feel taller and more confident!’

A Fashion Photographer at heart, Jess aims to work primarily in commercial and fashion in the future. For now, however, she is happy experimenting and finding out what works in regards to growing her business.

‘I’m trying loads of different genres and experiencing what sells and what doesn’t, what I’m good at and what I’m not, and which aspects I enjoy more and wish to improve. Photography is quite open and I’m doing a lot of different things at the moment because I’m still figuring out what genre I want to concentrate on.’

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

Being a freelance photographer and having her own studio, Jessica Lang Photography is able to offer a whole range of services including occasions (weddings, birthdays, christenings), commercial, model portfolios, portraits (single, family, pet), maternity/pregnancy/newborn, fashion and editorial.

Jess has come a long way through her start-up journey and offers this advice to anyone considering self-employment: ‘Don’t rush, and don’t expect for results straight away. See it through and keep trying if it’s something you’re really passionate about. Most of all enjoy it!’

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

Pleasing clients is the number one priority for Jessica Lang Photography. Nothing makes her happier than seeing happy customers enjoying the photographs she has shot for them.

‘It makes everything worthwhile. Also, making money doing something I love is so, so satisfying! I am very proud of how far I have come.’

Since her journey began back in an after-school class aged 14, Jess has continually grown her skills and portfolio. She has worked on a commercial campaign for a national holiday park, with local model agencies and magazines, shot weddings/events/portraits and most predominantly worked with a mass of models/stylists/make-up artists for fashion and editorial projects.

Credit: Jessica Lang Photography

If you are looking for a passionate photographer that can deliver high quality photographs on location or at her city centre based studio, visit www.jessicalangphotography.co.uk to view her wide portfolio and follow Jessica Lang Photography on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Jessicalangphotography and Twitter @JessLangPhoto where she posts updates and news.

And if you like Jess you would love to make money doing what you love, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 / hello@thewo.org.uk to access free business start-up support via one to one business advice appointments and training workshops. You can also visit our website www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk for

Portrait Photo by Lucy Hannah Photography

By Beckie Kinsella

 

Women in Business Recognised at Inaugural Manchester Women in Business Awards

Mass celebrations took place as women from The Women's Organisation's Venture Accelerator business growth programme snapped up awards at the Inaugural Women in Business Awards with Downtown Manchester yesterday.

Dr Nichola McChrystal
celebrates with nan and mum

Dr Nichola McChrystal of Bioclinics who had received support from the programme snatched the award for 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year', and celebrated with her mum and grandmother who she says are her greatest female role models. Claire Harper of Harper Innovations was the well deserved winner of 'Business of the Year' having turned over her first million following support from the Venture Accelerator programme. 

Claire Harper wins
'Business of the Year'

Venture Accelerator Programme Manager Mike Marsden said "We were pleased to sponsor the event and to be able to invite some of our women currently working under our business growth programme along to network and to be inspired by the achievements of the women there. I was over the moon to see our clients Nichola and Claire receiving very much deserved recognition for their hard work and business success. This event just served to highlight what we as an organisation are very well aware of. There are amazing women in Greater Manchester running some fabulous businesses. We just want to let them know that if they have the ambition to grow, fully funded support is available."

The full list of winners are:

• Best New Start Up: Zoe Holland, Zebra Consulting
• Employee of the Year: Jen Smith, JMW
• Legal Advisor of the Year: Christine Oxenburgh, Freeths
• Financial Advisor of the Year: Sarah Bell – Duff & Phelps
• Hospitality& Service Sector Award: Lou Kemp, GG Hospitality
• Business Support Award: Laura Harper, Shoosmiths
• Best Marketer Award: Sarah Rowley, Baker Tilly
• Best Property Professional Award: Rowena Burns, Manchester Science Park
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Dr Nichola McChrystal, Bioclinics
• Female Leader: Angie Robinson, Manchester Central
• Business of the Year: Harper Innovations
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Carole Kane, BooHoo.com
• Social Enterprise of the Year: POPS
• A Decade of Excellence in Business: Jennie Johnson, Kids Allowed

Michael Taylor, Chairman of Downtown Manchester In Business said: “These awards, and all the very worthy winners, are helping to break down stereotypes and promote positive female role models within business and enterprise across Manchester and the north west."

If you are a woman running a business in Greater Manchester that is ready to expand through taking on staff, accessing new markets or with innovative ideas of ways to increase turnover get in touch with MikeMarsden@thewo.org.uk to find out how you can receive FREE tailored support.

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