They’ve done it...
Sweet smell of success
Wednesday 27th August
When two florists spotted the perfect venue for starting up their own business they knew exactly who to turn to for help and advice – one of their favourite customers.
Jeanni Foster and Victoria Bentley from Burnley had always wanted to run their own shop so they were thrilled to discover the perfect premises to lease. Regular customer Carole Garrett from Burnley Enterprise Trust told the pair about the No Limits Women Mean Business support scheme.
“Victoria and I had worked together for years,” explained Jeanni, 45, “and we always planned on opening our own flower and gift shop one day but it was never really more than a distant plan.
“We knew that Carole was a business adviser for No Limits Women Mean Business as she was a regular customer and we had often talked to her about setting up Flowers 2 Go.”
Women Mean Business was formed to address the statistic that men are twice as likely to start a business as women. The programme gives women the chance to pursue their ambitions, receive individual advice and meet and develop business with other women.
Carole worked with the women to put together a business plan, gave advice on promotion and also introduced them to other like-minded women through local networking events. She also helped them apply for a business grant and, so far, they have received £2,200 to buy and decorate a delivery van.
Once the lease on the shop came through Jeanni and Victoria set to work transforming it into the perfect florists and, with the help of friends and family, it wasn’t long before they were up and running.
Victoria, 26, said: “Setting up your own business is a great feeling. We're our own bosses and our success so far has given us a great deal of satisfaction and motivation to do more.
“We aren’t going to rest on our laurels though; we'll keep building the business and hopefully open other shops in the area.”
