Mikaela takes a step towards curbing climate change with The Unwaste

Finding herself at a crossroads following a redundancy opportunity from her 20-year career at a well-known fashion retailer, Mikaela King decided to take some time out to focus on her next chapter – little did she know that she would be launching her own eco-friendly business in the midst of a global pandemic.

Mikaela King - Founder of The Unwaste

Following the opportunity for redundancy, Mikaela King left her role in Digital Transformation and Technology, allowing her time to explore her strengths, visions and more importantly what a different work life could look like. It was during this time that she was inspired by several authors who wrote about making a career out of their passions.

With good working knowledge of business and marketing practices, she was keen to have a go at building her own business from the ground up.

Already making steps to become more conscious about her impact on the environment, it was changes she had been making at home without realising that led to her business concept.

Mikaela told us: “I had started to make some eco swaps at home, so was keen to do more in this space. One night, the idea just popped into my head – I pictured myself throwing plastic bottles of everyday household cleaning products into the recycling bin, with not many eco-alternatives about.”

In May, she launched The Unwaste, offering eco-friendly milkman style refills of plant based, vegan household cleaning liquids. The business model offers clients the opportunity to take a step towards curbing climate change through a convenient and easy to use service.

Initially struggling with confidence in her own entrepreneurial abilities, she was referred to The Women’s Organisation by a friend. Through the Enterprise Hub programme, she was paired with Senior Business Adviser Jacqueline Daley for 1-2-1 support, along with having access to a range of courses to help with business planning and finances.

Having someone to reach out to during moments of doubt was invaluable for Mikaela during the first initial stages of starting up.

She told us: “Jacqueline put me at ease straight away and listened to my situation and my idea and helped me put down some next steps and a plan to move forward. All the sessions were really enjoyable and gave me the chance to meet other likeminded people in a similar situation, some of which I kept in touch with.”

Like many start-ups, Mikaela went in with minimal investment, relying in Facebook and Instagram to promote her business and whilst the first initial response was positive – things soon started to get quiet as she exhausted her social circle.

“Jacqueline advised me to network more to grow reach which I found quite daunting as I am a natural introvert and it wasn’t something I’ve had to do before. I was way out of my comfort zone and worried that other businesses would not want to help me or share knowledge in case it threatened their business.

“I braved it out and contacted other small business owners, local support networks and like-minded businesses and the response was fantastic, people want to help and are so generous with their time and resources”

Together with support from The Women’s Organisation, she has been able to successfully launch and grow a business during a global pandemic.

Expanding her reach across Liverpool and now Wirral, Mikaela is regularly adding new products to her stock and is in talks with other businesses to potentially use and sell her products on their premises.

It is early days for the ‘green’ business sector, with many unknowns to what an eco-business might look like in the future – but with the vast benefits green and eco businesses offer its likely that more companies are going to be adapting to run more efficiently and effectively in the future.

For Mikaela, continuing to raise awareness through her products is at the heart of her business.

She told us: “I am hopeful The Unwaste is helping to force the change in consumer behaviour that’s much needed, albeit a very small contribution to a very large problem. My vision is to increase awareness of the problem, being a catalyst of change towards more conscious consumerism”

The impact of COVID19 has forced businesses to bring their operations to a standstill – leaving many to think that starting a business right now could end in failure. Mikaela is giving aspiring entrepreneurs hope that it is possible to successfully get started during this current climate and adapt to the needs of the “new normal”

Entrepreneurship can lead people down many different paths – what has self-employment taught Mikaela about herself?

“I’ve come to recognise that entrepreneurs come in all different shapes and sizes and there is so much you have to discover, learn and do during the business start-up process I’ve realised I am more capable than I give myself credit for - one of the many things I’ve discovered about myself during this process.”

If you would like to find out more about The Unwaste, you can get in touch on hello@theunwaste.com or message them via Facebook or Instagram

If you have been inspired by Mikaela’s story and would like to see how Enterprise Hub can help you start your own business, then get in touch with us. Email enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk 

 

Sally turns her Hobby into a Success with Enterprise Hub

For many years’ photography had been a hobby that had allowed Sally Barreteau to express her creative side – now with a boost of confidence she has taken her passion and turned it into a full-time career.

Working with Enterprise Hub partners The Women’s Organisation – she now runs ‘Sally Barreteau Photography’ a Liverpool based photography business that is helping people capture moments in their lives for generations to come.

Beginning her enterprise journey with a love for all things photography, Sally felt like it was the right time to work towards a career she would love.

She told us: “I have 100% invested in myself & my photography mentally, financially & physically.”

Feeling nervous about the prospect of going it alone, she approached The Women’s Organisation to find like-minded women who had been through the same journey.

With support from business adviser Yan, Sally Barreteau Photography was born - photographing anything and anyone, the company focuses on portrait shots and boasts a portfolio of family occasions, wedding, parties and travel. 

“I first had a meeting with my new business adviser Yan, she sat down and explained all the support that would be available and the steps I could take to make my photography business become a reality”

“The networking and programmes have helped build my confidence and knowledge around the structure of running a business”

Her love for photography was a lot stronger than her fear of failure – but the thought of not being able to make a living to support her family had been holding her back. Sally told us: “My biggest challenges were financially, photography equipment doesn’t come cheap, As I am one photographer running a business solo, it can be expensive. I've learned about my costings and i'm in the process of thinking about raising my prices to meet competitors.”

Living with dyslexia also played a part in her fear of ‘getting it wrong’ 

She told us: “I feared I would mess up the admin side of the business. I have the photography skills – taking photos, editing, communicating with clients but when it comes to business skills, that came a little harder. You need to be thinking about your marketing, bookkeeping, accounts, alongside being a wife and mother. The Women’s Organisation has helped me to build these skills and made me realise that time keeping, and organisation is the key to any business”

Since working with The Women’s Organisation, the small business has gone from strength to strength, working with big names like Booking.com and national government. “My greatest achievement to date was being asked by an MP from Norway to be their personal photographer for their visit to Liverpool for Remembrance Sunday at St Georges Hall.

“I was the only female photographer with the press capturing this huge event”

So, what is coming up in the future for Sally Barreteau Photography? She told us: “I always touch base with Yan; I think it’s important for me to have someone there who’s looking in from the outside to give me potential idea’s for growing. Everything has been going great so far, I will be going to France in July and August where I will be doing some travelling photo shoots!”

Sally Barreteau photography can be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

For more information about the support available to help start or grow your new business through Enterprise Hub, please contact 0151 706 8113 or enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk.

Anne Pennington From Sefton Realised Her Dreams Of Self-Employment...

Now, we know that we do our jobs well. Each and every day we are a team of people who one simple mission in mind – To improve the lives of the women that we meet. But as you know, sometimes daily life gets on top of us all and that’s why it’s so amazing to be reminded of why we do the work that we do! Anne Pennington was just the woman for this and we couldn’t be more delighted to have helped her realise her dreams of self-employment!

Anne Pennington has one of those business that we hear about and think; ‘Now that sounds interesting!’ Anne is an award-winning researcher and leader in the use of insights in the public sector; she works with clients from across many different sectors from their first idea through their planning, design and implementation all the way to evaluation. And since launching her business has worked on an incredible variety of different projects including; a campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse, a campaign to improve breastfeeding and even the massively influential campaign This Girl Can. 

Prior to setting up her business Anne was a Principal Insight Analyst with Public Health Knowsley for 10 years and before that worked for National Museums Liverpool for 17 years as a Research Officer. She told us; ‘I had always been interested in working for myself but I’d never had the courage to make the leap from employment to self-employment. But when I took redundancy in December 2015 it was the perfect opportunity to have a go on my own. I was ready for a new challenge!’ 

Read Anne's full story here...

If like Anne you would like to access expert advice to start a business, contact the Enterprise Hub team on 0151 706 8113 or email enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk

Budding Entrepreneurs in Sefton Get Some Great Advice

Last week the Enterprise Business Start-up Conference travelled to Sefton.  Supported by Invest Sefton and Start-up Direct, the event hosted by Enterprise Hub Partner The Women's Organisation brought together local men and women who were toying with the idea of starting a business to give them a insight into what is really involved.

Speaking at the event were 3 Successful local business owners and local enterprise experts who each offered key insights into how to make a business succeed.  Here were the top tips on offer at the event that every potential entrepreneur should take note of:

Kevin Murphy Rentaspace

Jacke Foster Crosby Coffee with Julie Swarbrick

Cheryl Grogan of AJ's Playdays

• Starting a business is "a way to build a job around your family", said Entrepreneur Cheryl Grogan of AJ's Playdays
• "Market Research is so important" emphasised both Cheryl and Jack Foster of Crosby Coffee, Jo Austin from The Women's Organisation agreed citing 'lack of market research' as the top reason for business failure
• "Social Media is a Great way to promote your business" said Crosby Coffee's Jack
• "You only get out what you are prepared to put in" said Kevin Murphy of Rentaspace
• Think "People and Peers" added Kevin talking about the need for creating a strong network around you
• "If you ever have a business question get in touch with Invest Sefton" encouraged Business Growth Adviser Julie Swarbrick
• "There is expert support from Enterprise Hub and it is FREE" said Jo Austin from The Women's Organisation encouraging the participants to soak in expert advice to avoid one of the other top reasons for businesses failing 'lack of or taking the wrong advice'.

If you are thinking of starting a business, are based in Mersesyside and could benefit from expert advice, get in touch with the Enterprise Hub team on 0151 706 8113 or enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk.

A full write up of the event can be accessed here. 

Enterprise Hub Business Start-up Conference Heads to Sefton

Following two successful conferences in Liverpool City Centre, the Enterprise Hub team are excited to be heading out on the road to inspire the local residents in Sefton.

Teaming up with Invest Sefton and Startup Direct, the Enterprise Hub Business Start-up team will be giving budding entrepreneurs in Sefton the opportunity to explore their ideas and understand the practicalities of going into business through the 'Enterprise Hub Business Start-up Conference Sefton'. 

The conference takes place on Thursday 20th October from 10am-1pm at the L20 Hub, the new conference centre within the Hugh Baird campus in Sefton. Places are FREE and open to anyone living in Merseyside who is looking to start a business.

At the event budding business owners will hear from successful entrepreneurs about how they went about building their business empire, get more information about how to access finance to start, be taken through excercises to understand the practicalities of business, and find out more about how Enterprise Hub and InvestSefton can help local businesses to start and flourish. 

Jo Austin from the Enterprise Hub Team said:
"We have run two fantastically successful conferences in Liverpool so far, but Enterprise Hub is a Liverpool City Region service, so it's important that we take the key enterprise messages out to the other boroughs.  I'm please that our first one outside of Liverpool is in my home turf of Sefton where there is a great opportunity for new businesses to get started.  We look forward to hearing from our inspirational speakers and supporting everyone attending to assess their ideas and tap into free support."

Nick Bell,Startup Direct North West Regional Development Manager has said:

"Startup Direct Liverpool are very pleased to sponsor the Enterprise Hub conference in Sefton. As a leading delivery partner for the UK government's Start-Up Loans Scheme we have already helped more than 1,500 UK businesses access more than £12M of funding." Anyone interested in finding out more about the funding can hear a short talk on this at the conference and chat to the team. 

Business Growth Adviser Julie Swarbrick from Invest Sefton told us  “InvestSefton is delighted to participate in this event, hosted by the Enterprise Hub.  InvestSefton offers a range of funded support for businesses in Sefton, to help them flourish and grow.  We do this through a ‘one stop shop’ approach for all business enquiries, whatever your business type or sector.  Some of our friendly growth officers will be on hand at the event to chat to local businesses, and if you miss it you can call our team who will be pleased to assist you with your business enquiry.”

Book a free ticket for the event here. 

If you can't attend the conference, but want to find out more about the Enterprise Hub which is delivered thanks to European Regional Development Fund please contact our team on 0151 706 8113 or enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk.