| Flower Business A Blooming Success |
by James Chard james.chard@mkcitizen.co.uk
Cousins Donna Coventry and Ann Scott were just budding entrepreneurs dreaming of being florist three years ago - but today they are watching their business blossom.
The heard-working mums already had their hands full with 10 children between them and jobs to boot when they decided to follow a long-held ambition to run their own business enrolling on a college course, they spent one evening a week for three years learning their craft. Then after completing their training they launched Leaf It Out, working from a log cabin at the end of Ann's garden. While they were becoming established and growing the business the resourceful pair supplemented their income by working as couriers. But they soon realised if they wanted to turn the venture into something that could provide them with a proper income, they would need to expand. They needed to be able to take an electronic payment which was when a friend suggested the Business Link Enterprise Gateway service which offers free advice and help to entrepreneurs. “It was a great move for us and the start of all kinds of assistance," said Donna. “The Enterprise Gateway director helped us secure a £250 loan for an electronic payment machine and this immediately enabled us to attract additional business." That meant Leaf It Out could now work with relay companies, dispatching and receiving orders around the UK. It has since outgrown its premises and moved to a unit near to Enterprise Gateway's offices. For more information on Business Link's Enterprise Gateway service call 08456 009 006. |
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