Enterprise Nation The Homewares & Lifestyle Exchange Fri 11th Aug 2017 If you’re a homeware or lifestyle business, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Join inspiring retail buyers, entrepreneurs and experts from the homewares and lifestyle industry for this one day extravaganza. You could get a chance to pitch to John Lewis! Inspiring Women - 12 Hours FREE business support for women The Inspiring Women Business Growth Programme is a pan-London programme, so any female run business in London can apply. Areas covered include: Business Development, Finances, HR, Environmental Management and, of course, Marketing. Enterprise Steps This pan-London project, open to men and women, provides a tailored programme of support for new enterprises. It also offers specialised mentoring and advice to help existing businesses survive, prosper and grow. Building Legacies
If you are looking to develop your business with a view to securing public and private sector contracts, then Building Legacies could be for you. The programme includes workshops, briefings, masterclasses, toolkits, networking and 1-2-1 coaching with external business mentors.
0 Comments
Waltham Forest Business Network's Jo Sealy meets the Walthamstow woman making brides' dreams come true In a little corner of Walthamstow a brand new business has emerged providing unique, intricately hand-crafted accessories that would delight any blushing bride. Steph Haire started her luxury bridal accessories business just a few months ago, but already her designs her gracefully adorning the gowns of brides this summer. She says: “My desings are tailored to each bride and aim to encompass their individual style and comeplte their bridal look with bespoke, luxury decorative details.” Step studied costume design at the University of the Arts London, where she focused her work around hand-embroidery and embellishment. She also worked as a bridal consultant and stylist while studying at university, a role which helped her to spot a business opportunity. “I always found myself frustrated with the limited options for accessories to go with a brides’ dress” Steph explains. “Even the high-end pieces tended to be a little underwhelming. When my cousin got married, I realised I could put my hand-embellishment skills to good use and create something truly spectacular for his wife to wear with her beautiful dress.” Despite only having started the business very recently, Steph feels that some of the best support she’s had so far has come from the encouragement of family and friends, giving her the courage to tackle the launch of the new website. “It’s been a huge achievement! I created it completely from scratch, which was quite a challenge as I am more creative than technological. I’m so excited to use my new platform to showcase my designs and reach more lovely brides.” While Steph has found it exciting to start the business, there have been a few challenges – confidence in herself and in her technical ability have been top of the list. Other areas outside of her comfort zone have included putting together financial plans and costing her creations. However, creating a viable business out of her talents has made all of the hard work worthwhile. “I bring a personal and bespoke touch to teach of my designs. I love to work one-on-one with my clients and incorporate their ideas to make something really special. So often wedding garments can have a mass produced look, I’ve been able to experiment with materials allowing me to create unique and quirky designs that offer a more cost-effective way to bring individual style to a bride’s wedding day.” Her business is moving into a studio in the nextg year that will function as a dual workspace and showroom so that she can offer more face-to-face consultations. “Being abel to make my brides so happy and contribute to the most special day of their lives is one of the most satisfying aspects of starting the business. I would say that if you’re thinking of starting a business don’t be scared – just go for it. “You’ll never know until you try!” For more information about Stephanie Jacqueline Bridal: Visit: StephanieJacqueline.co.uk FB: fb.com/stephaniejacquelinebridal/ In her latest column on small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network's Jo Sealy finds a designer with a lot to offer...
A distinguished career in the world of interior design has been turned into a flourishing personal design projects business. When award-winning interior de- signer Celia James took stock of her 30 years' design and build experience last year, the former director of the British Institute of Interior Design saw an opportunity to set up a brand new business: Pimp Your Home, offering small group workshop sessions from her studio in Leytonstone. "So much has changed over the years in the industry," says Celia. "The rise of the do-it-yourself interior designer, the desire to express individuality in our homes and cuts in adult education, have reduced many part-time courses in interior design, offering an opportunity. "I decided that I wanted to use my experience and teaching skills to bring the basics of interior design to people who wished to create their own beautiful and functional spaces, so in January this year I took the leap and started the business." Celia runs the twice-monthly Saturday workshop sessions from a fully equipped studio. It's a place for students to focus their ideas, select colour schemes, experiment with room layouts, and choose from samples of fabrics and flooring materials with Celia on hand to share her knowledge and experience. "Students learn to express their ideas professionally and in so doing reduce the risk of making big mistakes and wasting money," says Celia. "It was a great personal achievement to get my first bookings when I started in January. The number of students has grown steadily since then but it's still a challenge to spread the word about Pimp Your Home. Like many creative people I find it hard to promote myself!" As Celia's business begins to take off she acknowledges that hard work, persistence, talent, and luck play their part, but it all can only work if you do something you enjoy. "If you are passionate about what you do you most likely will be successful. One of the most satisfying things about running the business is seeing the students in the studio enjoying themselves, learning from me and each other, and I realise how much knowledge I have to share on so many levels. It makes sense of my working life." For more information about Pimp Your Home: Visit pimpyourhome.london Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell? Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk When Chingford based Mary Robertson followed her daughter in taking up a floristry course, it opened up a whole new family business venture. Before her daughter Anna was born, Mary used to run a Fairtrade shop based on the importance of ethics in business. Contemplating what her daughter Anna would do when she completed college, she dreamed up the idea of 'Anna's Fab Fair Flowers' and the business started trading last spring. The florist sells flowers from the Chingford site of local food producer Organiclea, ensuring the owers are both local and organic. Mary says: "We sell cut flowers as bouquets tied with Fairtrade ribbon or in a selection of Fair- trade, upcycled or vintage containers. These can be bought at cost-price or returned each week at no cost. "There's a Saturday stall outside the Hornbeam at Bakers Arms and there's the option of local deliveries too. My daughter Anna has learning difficulties and suffers from epilepsy - she's very unlikely to get a conventional job but I'm hoping that this little family business will suit her really well. Anna is a very special young lady.Many people with learning difficulties struggle in all sorts of ways, including getting a job. Anna's Fab Fair Flowers aims to buck that trend." Mary has experienced a few challenges with running the business, one of which includes keeping the flowers protected from the elements at her stall on a Saturday. However, there have been some great achievements too – her Christmas wreaths proved to be hot sellers over the festive season. Mary feels that her Fairtrade instincts are what makes her different from the competition. "There are lots of lovely owers for sale and many lovely people selling them too but sadly that's not the whole story. Many of the owers for sale come from over- seas and there can be problems both in terms of working conditions and environmental issues, including air miles. Anna's Fab Fair Flowers are local and organically grown. I try to ensure that every aspect of the business is ethical." Mary and Anna are focused on building their customer base to provide fresh cut owers to the Waltham Forest community. "We love being involved in an initiative that's both fun and worth- while; having scope to adapt it to meet my family's needs," says Mary. "If I was to give any advice to new entrepreneurs it would be to nd a niche in the market where you can make a difference, work hard and follow your dreams! Sustainability and ethics need to be our future so make sure you're on the right side." --- For more information about Anna's Fab Fair Flowers: Visit bit.ly/2oU94tS Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell? Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk Following another great week of #WFWeds, here are the winners. Take a look at their websites and connect with them on social media. If you're not one of the winners this week join in with Waltham Forest Wednesdays from 7:30pm on Twitter. Follow #WFWeds. Here's what to do: 1. Follow @wfbnetwork on Twitter 2. Tweet just once with a graphic, about your business directed to @wfbnetwork adding the hashtag #WFWeds 3. Tweet on a Wednesday between 7.30 - 9pm 4. Look out for the retweets Tips: - Ensure your profile sells your business and has a link to your website. - Tweet just once in each weekly time slot We'll shortly be featuring all of those selected on the WFBN website. #WFWeds Dance ChloeChloe Redmond is a Fitness & Pilates instructor, Personal Trainer & Baby Massage & Yoga Instructor in Walthamstow East London. Weekly fitness classes include Pilates, Pre & Post Natal Pilates, Zumba®, Legs Bums & Tums, Spin, Box&Core and combined Baby Massage & Yoga. From the age of 4 Chloe began Ballet dancing, despite being the plumpest of this group of “little princesses”, she continued this dance form for 8 years. She went on to develop techniques in a variety of dance styles alongside competing for her boroughs athletics team, horse riding, gymnastics and general activities a young person does when denied a gameboy by their parents! E17 DesignersDesigners love to make things, and E17 Designers helps them to sell what they make. Designers love to make things and, with the wealth of design talent we have in E17, that means very beautiful things indeed – from jewellery and ceramics to fashion and knitwear, from prints and stationery to soft furnishings and accessories. But designers also need to sell things if they are to survive – and that’s where E17 Designers’ Markets comes in, creating happy, sociable shopping spaces where buyers can talk directly to makers, and turn their (excellent) taste into pounds in the designers’ pockets. It’s our job to promote the events to the widest possible audience, and to make sure that everyone who comes through the door feels welcome and inspired. An E17 Designers event is often a social gathering with some live music or dj's, cakes (of course), the chance to win a goody bag, and a great way to bag presents for all the family... you will find a selection of traditional and contemporary jewellery, handmade from silver, semi-precious stones, ceramic or painted pieces; designer ceramics and rustic traditional stoneware; also quirky, vintage inspired adults and children's clothing, alongside bags and handmade cards. Travel KnitterHand-dyed yarns by travelknitter, all individually dyed in London E17. Colourways are deep and saturated, with lots of warmth and character, and colours are layered to get a truly rich colour. Lots of squishy yarns including British Bluefaced Leicester, merino, and luscious baby camel and silk blends. I’m Australian by heritage, but somehow I find myself living alternately in Melbourne and London, criss-crossing the globe along the way. I’ve always loved travelling, but knitting is a more recently discovered passion, and I’ve found the two complement each other very well. Stow Film LoungeStow Film Lounge is based in Walthamstow, East London and was started in September 2012. We are the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s independent repertory cinema, a title we are very proud of. We were a finalist in the Time Out Love London Awards 2014 as an E17 venue. The Walthamstow area has a rich film history and our aim is to continue that tradition by keeping diverse cinema exhibition alive locally. As well as our regular commercial screenings, we support short-film makers by screening their work before our main features, offer a monthly film club to a local 6th form media college, collaborate with filmmakers who self-distribute and work with a range of commercial/not-for-profit/charitable organisations to bring film to diverse audiences. We pop-up in other venues (including outdoors) both locally and further afield, offering commercial and private cinema experiences. One of our key intentions is to ensure that people experience the wonder of cinema in a relaxed, fun and friendly atmosphere within their local community at an affordable price. We don’t think it is right that people have to travel out of the area for their entertainment. Our fully portable equipment is HD with 3D compatibility when required, with a quality sound system to match. Add to this our range of quality refreshments and we are sure you will agree that all the ingredients are in place for a memorable entertainment experience. GYO TheatreGrow Your Own Theatre means just that. Young people creating their own stories and being in charge of their own work. We are inclusive and open, believing all young people have stories to tell. Last year, our older Youth Theatre was made up of students studying not only drama but science, healthcare and maths - using drama as a way to unwind, relax and explore other aspects of themselves. We tend to focus on the quirky and ridiculous side of life - though have explored themes such as loss, competition, exclusion (and a world with no internet -the horror!). Please see FAQs for more on our methods. Grow Your Own Theatre has been making shows and working with young people in Walthamstow since Oct 2011. Despite having no dedicated arts centre, Walthamstow has been home to many creative people and ventures - we've worked with local schools, venues and projects. You can find information on our friends and other local creative projects here. Nirvana Brew CoWhat's that you say? You're brewing a range of alcohol free beer? That seems to be the question everyone's asking us..
Yep! Nirvana Beer Co. is producing great tasting craft beers with a difference... Knowing all too well how non-alcoholic beers were renowned for being dull, lacking in taste and variety, Nirvana decided to take on the challenge of making a great range of Low/Non-alcoholic beers to overthrow that perception. Being dedicated followers and fans of craft beer, their main focus is on quality and character of what they brew. Putting quality at the forefront, we have devised an epic line-up of handcrafted brews for you, styles, aromas and taste as the Craft Beer favourites that you all love. With the advances in brewing knowledge and whilst still following brewing traditions Nirvana will brew a flavoursome alternative without compromising on taste, so whether your taste buds are feeling a Pale Ale, Lager, Stout or IPA, Nirvana has the perfect brew, with no compromise on your craft beer experience! So be it you're a craft beer fan looking for a lighter alternative, cutting back for health reasons, fancy a lifestyle choice or perhaps you're the "designated driver", say goodbye tasteless low/non-alcoholic beer, hello Nirvana Beer... We're going to take your taste buds for a ride!!! In her column focused on local small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network's Jo Sealy interviews a creative financial adviser. Two years ago Antony Smith was confronted with a dilemma. His employer was shutting up shop and he felt he had to make a decision – look for new job or do what he really wanted to do? "At that point, I had to quickly decide on my next move, and decided to take the plunge and follow my heart," explained Antony. "So I set up my own company as an independent financial adviser, rather than join another. It was an exciting time. The business was up and running from August 2015 after receiving speedy compliances from the Financial Conduct Authority – and we were on our way." Antony's new firm, Providus Financial Ltd, aims to help people make better financial decisions for the longer term. His team of financial professionals take a more creative view on finances, looking at the wider picture in terms of services such as mortgages, life insurance, pensions, investments, savings plans, wills, trusts, and power of attorneys. "In terms of setting up and running the business I had great support from my family, my accountant, and from personal contacts made through networking. Former colleagues, trusted clients and suppliers also encouraged me." Antony is extremely proud that in its first year of trading Providus made a profit, which enabled him to move his team into their new office in Highams Park. "Starting the company has been one of the best moves I've ever made. Despite the pressures of being the decision maker and juggling the needs of family, clients and employees, it's given me the freedom and exibility to manage my time and to be in full control of my personal future." "In 12 months' time I'd like the business to be self-managing, so that I can focus on more strategic decision making. If I was to give any advice to other new entrepreneurs I'd say go for it!" "Focus on what you are best at and where you get your best results. Employ other people who are better than you and delegate." To find out more about Providus Financial Ltd: Visit providusfinancial.co.uk Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell? Email wfbn@to-market.co.uk Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk Following another great week of #WFWeds, here are the winners. Take a look at their websites and connect with them on social media. If you're not one of the winners this week join in with Waltham Forest Wednesdays from 7:30pm on Twitter. Follow #WFWeds. Here's what to do: 1. Follow @wfbnetwork on Twitter 2. Tweet just once with a graphic, about your business directed to @wfbnetwork adding the hashtag #WFWeds 3. Tweet on a Wednesday between 7.30 - 9pm 4. Look out for the retweets Tips: - Ensure your profile sells your business and has a link to your website. - Tweet just once in each weekly time slot We'll shortly be featuring all of those selected on the WFBN website. #WFWeds AshlinsOur dream is to make known to everyone the great benefits that can come about through the use of natural medicine. Ashlins Natural Health has been helping people in Walthamstow discover Complementary Health and Natural Medicine since 1994. We offer an extensive range of treatments that can help with many different ailments and injuries. But you don’t have to be ill! Many complementary therapies are also well known for their preventive medicinal effects, for stress relief, relaxation, and for that great feeling of being pampered. Our dedicated team of approximately 30 therapists practice in a friendly and relaxed environment. They will treat you holistically rather than just alleviating the symptoms. Lili Wedding RomeOur dream, that we fulfill every day when we create a special wedding, is the gratitude of our bride and groom, their smiles in seeing that what they wished,imagined, waited for and planned have became reality. Our dream is to be the place where creativity, professionalism and Italian Style meet to create unforgettable moments, making the dreams of the bride and groom come true. Our dream is to take care of every single detail in order to create a special day that will be totally unique Our dream is to have excellent management, selected suppliers, prestigious locations to give you the day you have always dreamt of. Our dream is to be a young expert agency based in Rome and London that will be able to advise and assist you in creating a wedding that reflects your own style and personality. Sarah Oliver - OsteopathMy name is Sarah Oliver and I am an Osteopath based in Walthamstow, East London. I treat muscle, joint and nerve problems using safe, gentle manual techniques. I will listen carefully to your problem before examining your posture and movement. I might test some of your joints or muscles to give me a better idea of the cause of your problem. Based on what I find I’ll put together a treatment plan of osteopathy, stretches, postural advice and lifestyle changes. I may also refer you to your GP or another therapist if necessary. Most people start feeling better after a couple of sessions. I trained at BCOM in north west London and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Osteopathic Medicine and diplomas in Osteopathy and Naturopathy. I’m registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and am a member of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO). Walker WebsitesWalker Websites is a web design company based in Highams Park, East London E4 providing advice on all website issues, from choosing a domain name (www. address) to designing, hosting and maintaining your website. Do you have a problem with your emails? We can help – give us a call. We can also provide advice on how to promote your website and increase your search engine listing results. Do you need help with web design? Does your existing website need to be redesigned? Perhaps you need help with social media or creating a Facebook page? We can help. We want you to be satisfied with the style and content of your website, so communication is important throughout. We hope that you find this website useful. If you scroll down you will find articles on topics such as search engine optimisation (seo) tips and tools, website promotion, keyword research, WordPress tips, Ecommerce, backing up data, and more. We have lots of useful information on our Walker Websites blog, such as: how to find images that are a certain size, how to pin a Facebook post to the top of the page, email signatures, Google Analytics, search engine optimisation (SEO) and more. Leyton and Stone DesignersLeyton&Stone Designers is a group of designer/makers based in Leyton and Leytonstone. Open to anyone who designs/makes their own products and lives or works locally, we hold regular markets to promote our members' work and support the craft and design community in our area. Visit one of our Sunday markets at the Northcote pub (see our events page for upcoming dates) and browse the stalls in a lively atmosphere with great food and drink. We also hold events in other venues around Leyton and Leytonstone so follow us on social media for the latest news! East London BrewOur 10-barrel plant in E10 is the result of a great deal of thought and a fair whack of hard graft. We started thinking about it all seriously as we were expecting our second child; Stu was increasingly disenchanted after 20 years as an industrial chemist and Claire was contemplating several months of maternity leave. There’s nothing like the sleep-deprived insanity of a new baby to warp one’s better judgement and by February 2011, we had made the leap, had no jobs between us, a two-year old, a four-month old and – as if that weren’t enough – an embryonic micro-brewery.
Now a few years on, the brewery’s expanded, we have a team of wonderful employees and brew a range of seven regular ales, complemented by seasonal specials (see our blog for what we’re currently brewing). Whether your tastes are best served by our lightest beer, ELB Pale Ale; our dark, comforting Quadrant Oatmeal Stout, or any of our beers in between, we hope you enjoy drinking it as much as we’ve enjoyed making it. Quitting the day job is never easy, but we’re ever-more convinced that it’s worth it. Following another great week of #WFWeds, here are the winners. Take a look at their websites and connect with them on social media. If you're not one of the winners this week join in with Waltham Forest Wednesdays from 7:30pm on Twitter. Follow #WFWeds. Here's what to do: 1. Follow @wfbnetwork on Twitter 2. Tweet just once with a graphic, about your business directed to @wfbnetwork adding the hashtag #WFWeds 3. Tweet on a Wednesday between 7.30 - 9pm 4. Look out for the retweets Tips: - Ensure your profile sells your business and has a link to your website. - Tweet just once in each weekly time slot We'll shortly be featuring all of those selected on the WFBN website. #WFWeds Elbow CreativeFounded in 2010 by two seasoned agency designers, Elbow has built a reputation for steadfast delivery of brand communication ideas and a disciplined approach to executing them. Commercially savvy, we keep a tight focus on business objectives, as well as the creative elements of a project. The two partners learned their craft at some of London’s most renowned graphic design agencies, helping many of the UK’s biggest brands to engage more closely with their target audiences. Elbow combines this high-end experience with a friendly, informal approach, bringing “big agency” thinking and creativity within reach of smaller organisations and we do it all from our studio in Walthamstow E17. Adam's HireArranging an event, birthday party or celebration? In a hall, at home, marquee or even a smart London venue you can count on Adams Catering Hire to provide catering hire in London, Enfield, Essex, Loughton and surrounding areas. Our award winning event and catering hire team is second to none and we have been recognised again and again by the Event Hire Association, winning the trophy ‘Award of Excellence’ for 3 years running. Not only that 100% of our clients saying they would recommend us to their friends and colleagues. Adams are authorised suppliers of catering hire and chair hire to many of London’s top venues and caterers, but we are equally happy to supply to small intimate occasions. Unsure of your needs? Then check through our website product pages, download our guide ‘How to Plan Your Event’ then call one of the team on 020 8805 4537, who will be more than happy to help guide you through the process of ordering. MatrimonioGayUKYou have decided to get married, you've set the date and with great excitement you start to plan the day. But you have a small amount of time, lots of time and the need to stay on budget.
Specialist wedding planning assisting you with managing the organisation for your wedding as well as the legal aspects that accompany a gay wedding. Whether you want a wedding here in the UK or a Civil Union in Italy - Matrimionio Gay can help you with this. Following another great week of #WFWeds, here are the winners. Take a look at their websites and connect with them on social media. If you're not one of the winners this week join in with Waltham Forest Wednesdays from 7:30pm on Twitter. Follow #WFWeds. Here's what to do: 1. Follow @wfbnetwork on Twitter 2. Tweet just once with a graphic, about your business directed to @wfbnetwork adding the hashtag #WFWeds 3. Tweet on a Wednesday between 7.30 - 9pm 4. Look out for the retweets Tips: - Ensure your profile sells your business and has a link to your website. - Tweet just once in each weekly time slot We'll shortly be featuring all of those selected on the WFBN website. #WFWeds Moo CreativeWhether you are a new start up or a well established name, moo can offer you a friendly, personal creative service that aims to put your brand on top. Combining creative experience and commercial acumen, our focus remains firmly on getting you results by ensuring your marketing materials are clear, engaging and relevant. BTempted AdamWe are a multi-award winning luxury gluten free bakery, hand making deliciously tempting treats in London. On a mission to develop amazing tasting gluten free cakes with perfect textures, we have developed a range of brownies and friands that have won multiple golds in the Great Taste Awards and are sold in prestigious stores including Harrods, Selfridges, Whole Foods Market and Fortnum & Mason. Enterprise4LondonEnterprise for London is the capital’s business support organisation for aspiring start-ups and established entrepreneurs. We provide a positive and supportive environment for businesses to fulfil their potential and create sustainable economic growth. As an organisation we provide: advice, training, access to finance and ongoing support, to help you create a successful enterprise. Khyal ArtsKhyal Arts is a local Walthamstow non-profit dance organisation, working to bring about cultural cohesion via a vibrant programme of accessible cultural activity. Our unique and creative classes fit within a bigger-picture vision of health, happiness and wellbeing.... Khyal Arts aims to develop, nurture, and sustain the local community... via Indian dance and music. Our classes are highly inclusive, taught by friendly, welcoming dance professionals and designed for those seeking personal change.We do great things in our community whilst offering exciting activities tailored to your needs, based on the rich, vibrant and colourful culture of North India. Gilli's FlowersGilli's Flowers create a unique range of handmade jewellery from their studio in Walthamstow, East London. Inspired by origami and flowers, every piece of jewellery is designed and hand folded by Gilli using a range of papers including specialist origami papers, hand made papers as well as recycled paper from old books, music and maps. Each piece is given several coats of varnish after they have been folded meaning they are water resistant and being made from paper even large earrings are light to wear. Gilli's range includes contemporary designs as well as vintage inspired ones and popular designs are made in different colours to match the changing seasons, and new designs are added to the range throughout the year. She also sells at local craft markets throughout the year. Unsworth UKUnsworth Global Logistics is a privately owned company established over 42 years ago. From a humble two-man office to a leading independent Freight and Supply Chain Management provider, we design, manage and deliver optimum Supply Chain Solutions. Our expanding network of partners now spans across 90 worldwide locations. Our clients have confidence in both our proprietary technology and exceptionally knowledgeable people.
Our unique in-house IT team can help identify potential cost savings right across your supply chain by designing and implementing systems that work for you and your customer, from inception to delivery. Westbury Accountants have provided a comprehensive and easy to digest summary of the Chancellor's recent spring report. Click on the image to access or click here.
|