Sefton Residents Get ‘A Taste of Business’ at Rent a Space

Kevin Murphy, owner of Switch island based ‘Rent a Space’ opened the storage and business facility out of hours to welcome budding local entrepreneurs.  Teaming with business start up support programme Enterprise Hub and local growth hub Invest Sefton, ‘A Taste of Business’ gave Sefton residents just that!

Kevin Murphy and team from Rent a Space

The Wadud Family from Perfect Samosa

The evening offered talks from businesses who were between 7 weeks and 3 years into their business journey to give those attending an idea of what to expect.  More than 50 guests were also treated to a tour of the facility to see the variety of local enterprise housed there, from a Gym to fashion design studio, and even Scouse Bird Problems shop front.

Whilst enjoying what Kevin refers to as “the 3 p’s of business” (Pizza, prosecco and peroni) those with a business idea soaked in advice and inspiration from the businesses.

Sanya Wadud from Perfect Samosa who started out in Bootle kicked off the proceedings sharing how they have continued to grow and develop, achieving recognition from the likes of the BBC Good Food guide, and continuing to explore marketing and PR opportunities for their family run enterprise.

Personal Trainer Joe

Kevin Murphy Interviewing Fashion Designer Alex

Katie showing off her cupcakes

Personal trainer Joe from Workout Liverpool confessed “We started from our end dream. We went big from the start, it’s a challenge, but we knew what we wanted” explaining why they began with such a large unit at Rent a Space.  Mum of 5 Emily who took a unit at Rent a Space just 7 weeks ago to develop her cake making and children’s party business explained that maternity leave made her re-evaluate what she wanted and realised family flexibility was her core driver for going self-employed. Fashion designer Alex of A.M by Alex Meade shared that moving from a shop front to her design studio at Rent a Space meant she now avoids time wasters and has a steady flow of customers ready to buy.

“Social media is key to business success” was the resounding theme that was echoed through each talk.

Bernie Cox from Enterprise Hub Managing Agent The Women’s Organisation and Julie Swarbrick, business growth adviser at Invest Sefton, encouraged the crowd that Sefton is open for business and free support is on hand to help anyone ready for the challenge. 

Bernie Cox from The WO & John Matthias from Alt Valley

Enterprise Hub Marketing Manager Jo Austin said “We are so grateful to Kevin Murphy for offering his space for this inspiring event.  It is so important to have successful entrepreneurs like Kevin willing to support and mentor the next generation of business owners, and that is the atmosphere that has been created at Rent a Space.

As a team it is great for us to link up with Invest Sefton as through Enterprise Hub and their local growth hub we can offer a full service to start up and growing businesses in the local area. No matter which area of business causes you the most headaches, or if you just have a thought you want to run by an expert, there is someone there who can offer that listening ear and advice, and hopefully this event helped to show that to those who came along.”

If you missed the event, but are keen to speak to someone about how you can start or grow you business then you can get in touch with the Enterprise Hub team via 0151 706 8113 or get in touch with your Local Growth Hub at Invest Sefton via 0151 934 3452.