Mia’s Cocktails are shaking up the lockdown

For Mia Williamson, the national lockdown in March could not have come at a worse time. Having worked in the bar industry for 5 years, she had decided that 2020 was going to be the year of change for her, and had just packed in her full time job to concentrate on her newly registered business ‘Shaker Shaker’ specialising in a bespoke mobile bar service. She had joined the Enterprise Hub programme at the Wirral Chamber and was busy working on her business plan when the announcement came.

Mia up and running

Mia was faced with two choices, to call last orders on her new business or to take the plunge and adapt to survive. Fortunately she decided on the latter and, realising that her target customers were now confined to their homes and unable to socialise, she took to social media and launched #14CocktailsIn14 Days. “I decided to capitalise on my cocktail-making skills and post a video a day for 14 days showing people how to make a different cocktail each day!” By keeping people’s spirits up – literally – and posting engaging content, Mia soon saw her number of followers increase. She says, “I totally underestimated the power of social media. Initially I found it very daunting taking and posting videos of myself, but I soon realised that my posts were triggering engagements and people wanted to see what I was up to each day!’

Having built up a healthy following on social media, the ease in lockdown restrictions enabled Mia to launch her cocktail delivery service. ‘I announced it on the Wednesday’, says Mia, ‘and by Friday my week was fully booked’. Unlike other competitors, Shaker Shaker’s delivery service provided DIY cocktail kits containing all the ingredients and instructions, so clients were buying the experience as well as the drink – and this quirky twist went down a storm.

The combination of her products and her social media activity soon attracted the attention of other businesses within the catering and events sector and Mia found herself networking and collaborating with other local independents who provided support, cross-referrals, re posts and friendship during the difficult summer months.

Mia’s advice to other start-up businesses would be ‘to focus on the journey and not the destination, move out of your comfort zone – challenge yourself and explore every opportunity!’ She admits that when she first started, she didn’t know how to run a business but through the Enterprise Hub programme she not only enjoyed the workshops that were on offer but felt that she particularly benefitted from bouncing ideas around in the one to one sessions and the encouragement she received from the advisers Heidi and Paul.

So what does the future hold for Mia and Shaker Shaker? Well the support she received over the summer from her client base and fellow independent businesses has left her in no doubt that it is only a matter of time, when restrictions regarding gatherings are lifted, that the full potential of Shaker Shaker will be realised. She already has bookings for next year for her all-inclusive mobile bar package and cocktail making classes, but in the meantime, she’s back to her DIY cocktail deliveries – adding a bit of sparkle and fun to her client’s lives!

For more information on Shaker Shaker you can contact Mia on: info@shakershaker.co.uk / 07708 777 990 or follow her cocktail making antics on https://www.facebook.com/shakershakerbar or her Instagram page.

Get in touch if you are thinking of starting a business in the Liverpool City Region or have a new business under three years old. You can speak to our team via enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or 0151 706 8113.

Paul’s New Business Is Standing Tall!

Is there anything more annoying than having nowhere convenient to hang your belongings close-by when out at a venue, particularly if you have to use the floor?  Well, Paul Morris’s new business, Small Stands, now offers a simple and attractive solution to this age-old problem.

Paul Morris, founder of Small Stands

But before his dream of becoming his own boss came true, Paul worked in the education sector, the NHS and finally, Lever Brothers, where he worked as an IT manager.  What started as a 4-year plan ended up as 20 years of service, and once he’d achieved all that he could and with IT work slowing down, he decided to leave employment and start up his own business - right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic!  

Not great timing for some, but Paul was determined to make a living out of a hobby of making things and doing something he enjoyed.  And it was during a trip to Mexico City that Paul kept seeing these curious, but very popular, pieces of table-side furniture in the restaurants, and this became the inspiration for Small Stands!

So, what is “Small Stands” and its products? Well, imagine individual smaller-scale coat stands, tailor-made in a variety of attractive finishes and colours, ideal for any commercial business that operates from premises.  Then imagine that with these products, the business is then able to offer its customers a secure, clean and convenient close-by alternative to the traditional tall coat stand, back of a chair or dirty floor that they would normally have to use!  And with the current pandemic in everybody’s mind, there’s the added benefit that these small stands, if regularly sanitised, can prevent cross-contamination from other people’s belongings.  

Paul will initially be looking to establish a market for ‘Small Stands’ on Wirral, but with three models on offer already and with more product ideas to follow, he has every intention of expanding his business further afield.  In addition, Paul is keen to eventually have his own premises with a view to taking on some additional staff should the business grow sufficiently enough for him to do this.

And as someone who has never started his own business before, Paul’s advice is very practical: “Put a timeline against your start-up plans, then double it!  Then stick to that!”

And having gone through the Enterprise Hub programme at Wirral Chamber, how did he find the experience? 

His response is very positive: 

“The Enterprise Hub has helped me enormously and I wouldn’t be at the stage I am without them. They have a wide range of knowledge which helped me understand the whole start-up process. They also have a huge network to draw upon, helping me source suppliers and reaching out to experts in the field. I also joined many webinars such as finance, website design and social media (which I needed!). But mostly the one-to-ones where invaluable, the team at Enterprise Hub are fantastic at giving guidance and helping you to make your own decisions and giving you direction.” 

So if you’re a business that operates from a venue and would like to know more about how Small Stands can improve your customers’ experience, ring Paul Morris on 07434 641 927, e-mail him at paul@smallstands.com or visit his website at www.smallstands.com 

Get in touch if you are thinking of starting a business in the Liverpool City Region or have a new business under three years old. You can speak to our team via enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or 0151 706 8113.

Concept Corner Helps Wirral Residents #ShopLocal This Christmas

When faced with redundancy former Police Officer, Hayley Matthews, seized the opportunity for a new beginning. Hayley is now the proud owner of Concept Corner, a high street shop with a difference. 

Based in New Brighton, Concept Corner is home to a number of small independent businesses made up of artists and artisans helping you to shop local this Christmas. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of luxury homemade chocolates and chutneys to bespoke real wood plaques and vegan candles.

The person behind this unique concept of high street store is former police officer, Hayley Matthews: “I was a police officer for 26 years and the job started to take its toll. I have children at home and I decided that the lifestyle that comes with being a police officer wasn’t for me anymore.”

After speaking to local artists and artisans across Wirral, Hayley decided that Wirral needed a space for makers to showcase their work. Concept Corner offers a supportive environment for quality local creatives to trade and grow together under one roof in the heart of Wirral.

Hayley received business advice from The Women’s Organisation where she was supported under Enterprise Hub business start-up programme. To read this case study in full, head over to The Women's Organisation blog: http://thewomensorganisation.blogspot.com/2018/11/concept-corner-creates-home-for-wirrals_27.html

To find out more about Concept Corner, head to the website or Facebook page.


If you’re thinking about starting a business, contact The Women’s Organisation on 0151 706 8111 or hello@thewo.org.uk to find out how we can support you.

Jenny Farrelly takes over Wirral Institution

Despite her many years’ experience in supply and retail of school uniforms and branded workwear, it was still a big step to consider the challenge of setting up independently.  To add to the magnitude of the change, Jenny was considering taking over an existing business that was long-established on Wirral. 

Jenny was partly financing her venture but needed to apply for a StartUp Loan to make her entrepreneurial dream a reality.  She also had to contend with unfamiliar territory in the shape of TUPE staff obligations, decisions involving stock, collating accounts history, both for the loan application and the organization she was taking over.  Wirral Chamber’s startup team were with her every step of the way and Jenny made the most of the expertise at hand, building a great business plan and realistic cash flow as well as building great relationships with the team.

The business she was buying was a Wirral institution with a fairly reliable customer base that, with strategic marketing and planning, she could retain and grow.  There was additional seasonal pressure for Jenny to secure the loan and to be in the business during the summer holidays as this is a peak time for sales of schools uniforms.  She did it!  The StartUp Loan application was successful and Jenny took over the shop August hit the ground running with parents and pupils getting sorted for the new school year.

The Enterprise Hub Team always knew Jenny had the determination to succeed and we enjoyed working with her to make her business happen.   She had particular words of thanks for Patsy Crocker: “Patsy went through detailed cash flows with me for the loan application, she was amazing and helped my confidence hugely.” 

StartUp Wirral from Enterprise Hub is helping start-up businesses like Jenny’s with the support required to become successful companies.  If you’re thinking of starting a business in Wirral, please contact Lisa, Paul or Warren on 0151 541 0976.

University Graduate Ellie Is Baking Her Way To Business Success

Graduating from university and finding your first steps on the career ladder can be an exciting and pivotal part of your future. However, the reality that many graduates are faced with post-graduation, is a tough, competitive job market. Interestingly, research shows that more and more graduates are deciding to explore the option of starting their own business or becoming self-employed. 

Helped by The Women's Organisation, Ellie Ruddy, based in Wirral, decided to become her own boss after completing her university course in Food and Consumer Studies.

 Read Ellie's story here

Stacy's Business A Cut Above The Rest

Stacy Jones launches new barber shop in Eastham.

Stacy has setup up her own barber shop in Eastham called Prestige Barbers after spending a number of years working as a barber around Wales for other businesses. When Stacy relocated to Wirral, she made the decision to start her own business running her own shop rather than seeking employment.

Stacy is currently in high demand and has recently took on another barber at her shop. In a short space of time she has gained a following of regular clients, not just in her shop but also online. Stacy prides herself on her high quality work and making sure the customer walks away with exactly what they wanted.

Prestige allows its clients to book online for a specific time slot which gives the ability to work around their schedule and it means they don’t have to sit in a lengthy queue for the best cut in town.

Stacy said: “I have found the support that I’ve received through Enterprise Hub to be very beneficial to starting up my business. The advice and guidance has been particularly useful”.

For further details on Prestige Hair visit https://b-m.facebook.com/Prestigebarbers.wirral/ or call 0151 345 0674.

Wirral Chamber is a partner of Enterprise Hub and are helping start-up businesses like Stacy’s to find their feet, ensuring that people’s business ideas are given the support required to become successful companies.  If you’re thinking of starting a business in Wirral, please contact The Enterprise Team on 0151 650 6940.

New IT Company Going From Strength To Strength

IT professional, Pete Murphy hit the ground running with an immediate team of 5.

Pete’s company Orbital was registered on 1^st October 2017 and has recently announced the start of a long-term partnership with The ACC Liverpool Group to develop and enhance its reporting and dashboard solutions. The ACC Liverpool Group consists of a family of world-class venues, including Echo Arena, BT Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

Orbital are a team of IT professionals based in the North West but with a national reach.  With an experienced track record in creating top quality software systems with particular specialism in reporting/data analysis solutions.  In addition, the team can provide consultancy services to develop, support and enhance new and/or existing data systems.  The team also have extensive experience in the Further Education sector having all previously developed and managed several leading products. 

For more information visit their website www.orbitalgo.com or call 0330 234 111.

Orbital has recently also landed a major contract with Lincoln College, in the first couple of months of trading Orbital have been very successful and the future is looking bright for the software Consultants.

Pete commented on the support that he has received through Wirral Enterprise Hub:“Overall the programme was really helpful and we picked up plenty of useful information along the way.  The staff were a pleasure to deal with and would definitely recommend the programme to other start-ups”.

Wirral Chamber are a partner of Enterprise Hub and are helping start-up businesses like Pete’s to find their feet, ensuring that people’s business ideas are given the support required to become successful companies.  If you’re thinking of starting a business in Wirral, please contact The Enterprise Team on 0151 650 6940.

Doorstep Car Valeting Business Proving Popular For Paul

Paul Parker is bringing car valeting to your doorstep with his new company MobileFoam.

Paul has setup up his new company MobileFoam which is a mobile car valet service that covers the Wirral, MobileFoam allows its customers to get their cars valeted at a time and place that is convenient to them.

With competition already in the market, Paul had a challenge on his hands but has managed to get some regular clients on board, boasting many within the corporate sector.

On the support that he has received, Paul commented: “The team at the Hub have always been very helpful and very friendly. They have helped me set my business up”.

Paul’s business has already proved popular due to the care and quality that he provides with his service.  MobileFoam can offer regular times to come to your business premises which is a great support to your employees.

Paula Basnett, CEO of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said: “Paul has been a proactive member of the enterprise group and we look forward to seeing his business grow from strength to strength.”

For more info on MobileFoam visit https://www.facebook.com/MobilefoamValeting/  or call 07757 722154.

Wirral Chamber are a partner of Enterprise Hub and are helping start-up businesses like Paul’s to find their feet, ensuring that people’s business ideas are given the support required to become successful companies.  If you’re thinking of starting a business in Wirral, please contact The Enterprise Team on 0151 650 6940.

Honest Hayley Makes The B&B Experience Just Like Home

Having spent many years working in the service industry both in the UK and Europe, Hayley wanted to bring together her passion for customer service and eye for detail to create a business with this at its foundation. With the vision of bringing together what Hayley had learnt whilst working abroad, combining a customer focused work ethic to the industry, Honest Host was born! Hayley’s ethos is to treat property and guest in equal measure, maintaining a professional attitude, whilst providing a service with a homely quality.

Honest Host are there to help users maximise rental income in the short-term rental market by managing/hosting via Airbnb. They advertise and promote via Airbnb and on their own website to ensure maximum views on properties, leading to maximum bookings.

At Honest Host they handle all aspects of the short term let from bookings to cleaning. Honest Host strives to bring excellent customer service to both property owners and the guests staying at the property.

Hayley said: “Wirral Enterprise Hub has given me the confidence to register my business. I have learnt valuable business tips and the support given has been brilliant!”

Hayley’s business has already proved popular with several homes available through the service they are providing.

Wirral Chamber are a partner of Enterprise Hub and are helping start-up businesses like Hayleys' to find their feet, ensuring that people’s business ideas are given the support required to become successful companies.  If you’re thinking of starting a business in Wirral, please contact The Enterprise Team on 0151 650 6940

For further details on Honest Host, visit http://honesthost.co.uk/

Wirral Chamber of Commerce Helps Hypa Spa Make A Splash To Celebrate Opening Showroom

With many years’ experience in the Spa business and an ambition to be his own boss, it wasn’t long before Wirral based Danny Griffiths set up on his own.

Hypa Spa is the result of countless hours of hard work from Danny, turning a business idea into a reality in just a few months. Working alongside the Wirral Chamber’s Enterprise Hub team, Hypa Spa is ready to start trading officially as it looks to make a splash in the Wirral market.

Danny’s business has grown from strength to strength which has seen him celebrate the opening of his own showroom in Bromborough and a second showroom at a well-known water garden centre in Burton. 

Speaking about the programme, Danny said; 

“I feel Wirral Enterprise Hub has helped me a great deal in giving me the confidence to go forward.  They have supported me in every aspect. I was lacking a lot of fundamental knowledge of business, but the programme has provided the help and training I needed to improve”.

To find out more about what Hypa Spa’s range of hot tub, sauna and home spa solutions can improve your health and transform your home visit https://www.hypaspa.com/

Enterprise Hub is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. For more information about the support available email us on enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or ring us on 0151 706 8113

Wirral Entrepreneurs 'Raising The Resolution' With New Business, 'Drone Factor'

Launched in April this year by Amy and Sam, Drone Factor started to take shape in September 2016 and following storm Doris in the early part of this year, the pair decided that the time was right to get trained, commercially licenced and fully insured to fly UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) commercially. Since then they have started working for blue chip providers...And that's before they start printing stunning aerial photography.

During the development of the business plan, which was 90 pages at one point, they realised that they were going to be able to go big with this business in a short period of time. The nature of drone technologies is such that there is always progress, so planning 6 to 12 months in advance is important to ensure Drone Factor have the best systems available. The initial investment training, hardware and setup costs were self-funded through a Sam’s contract teaching at Wirral Metropolitan College and Amy's job at Marks & Spencer.

With support from Enterprise Hub partner; Wirral Chamber, Drone Factor Ltd took shape rapidly. In the short time they have been operating, they have created promotional videos for Ness Botanical Gardens, created 3D maps of ancient meadows at Royden Park, and have begun developing their system integration with Merseyside Search & Rescue, along with creating a suite of beautiful images of Wirral and Cheshire.

Drone Factor plan to expand their aerial inventory to accommodate a wide range of emergency service assistance, including the RNLI, Police and Fire Service as well as thermal imaging surveys and long range inspection work.

Speaking about the programme, Sam said; 

“The help and support that we’ve received through Wirral Enterprise Hub has been brilliant. We have been introduced to some great contacts as well as being able to pop into the Enterprise Hub to run ideas by the team or use their space to work on the business”

In its first month of operating, Dronefactor provided footage for a Channel 4 documentary, and have recently set up CopterKids, a drone flight school and club aimed at 8-14 year olds. Also, to accommodate for weddings and other special events, a specially designed sub-brand named AirHeart, as a homage to the famous female aviator, Amelia Earhart.

Visit www.dronefactor.co.uk for more information on pricing and other benefits they can bring.

Enterprise Hub is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. For more information about the support available email us on enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or ring us on 0151 706 8113

Enterprise Hub Partner Wirral Chamber of Commerce Helps Robert Write The Recipe For Success

With many years’ experience in the hospitality industry and a drive and ambition to be his own boss it wasn’t going to be long before Rob Leatherbarrow set up on his own. Wirral based Rob wanted to set up a mobile catering business which offered a high standard of the region’s favourite street food. 

The offering is starting small ‘Wirral Wonder’ burgers and ‘Shack’ dogs are an easy and much loved staple on the menu however Rob believes in bespoke service and working with his clients. When catering for the launch of the Pacific Road Sheds he allowed Enterprise Hub partner; Wirral Chamber to edit the name to Shed Dawgs and added fresh tomatoes to turn the Wirral Wonder burgers red!

Rob’s business has grown from strength to strength which has enabled him to give up his position in a local restaurant and dedicate 100% of his time to the enterprise. The Enterprise Hub sparked Rob’s confidence and supported him with the marketing aspect of developing his business. He has learnt to ask for help and realises he needs to be relentless to achieve his goal of a national brand with at least five vans.

Speaking about the programme, Rob said “It’s a brilliant programme with excellent support from all the team. I have gained confidence in my business abilities, which has helped me to develop and move forward” 

Paula Basnett, CEO of Wirral Chamber of Commerce commented “It’s excellent to be able to support a business like Roberts Snack Shack, it highlights the significance of the Enterprise Hub on Wirral and is a great example of what we offer to entrepreneurs.”

Delighted to be fully in charge of his destiny Rob is looking forward to a busy summer period. Should you wish to experience the delicious gourmet Snack Shack burgers and hot dogs then get in touch with Rob on 07468 577 285 or take a look at his new website www.robertssnackshack.co.uk

Wirral Chamber of Commerce Helps Turn Resolution Into Reality

Julian Perkins started 2017 with an important resolution, to take the plunge and start his own business.

Starting up is one of the most daunting prospects facing entrepreneurs. Arriving at our first Start-Up Business Workshop with existing skills and a business idea, Julian Perkins was well placed to turn his business dream into a reality.

Originally from London, Julian started a career installing Jukeboxes and disco equipment nationally. Work brought him up to Wirral where in 1998 he settled whilst working for Perfect Music running the Northern contract. An injury three years ago made Julian rethink his career and outlook especially with the physical aspect of his job.

Keen to utilise his existing expertise in the electrical industry, Julian attended a Start-Up Business Workshop, delivered by Wirral Chamber, a partner of the Enterprise Hub.  With support and guidance from the Wirral Chamber of Commerce team, Julian established Grounded Tech Solutions, a company that specialises in looking after PAT testing as well as advising customers on existing electrics within a building.

On the workshop, Julian commented: “The support I have received has been invaluable, showing me I am not alone and really made me focus on how I present myself and target my customers”.

Setting himself up today as a sole trader, Julian is delighted to now be a fully-fledged member of the Wirral business community.

Paula Basnett, CEO of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said: “The Enterprise Hub is a fantastic programme that helps people develop the skills, contacts and confidence to start their own business.  I am proud that Wirral Chamber of Commerce has been able to support Julian to turn his New Year’s Resolution into reality and encourage anyone with a business idea to contact us.”

Three months into the project, being delivered by Wirral Chamber the Enterprise Hub is helping start-up businesses like Julian’s to find their feet, ensuring that people’s business ideas are given the support required to become successful companies.  If you’re thinking of starting a business in Wirral, please contact The Enterprise Team on 0151 650 6940

Kracken Motorcycles are Driving Their New Business Forward Thanks to Enterprise Hub

With the help from Enterprise Hub Partners The Princes Trust  Thomas and Joshua (both 21) have set up a successful business, Kraken Motorcycles based in Wallasey, Wirral. The business refurbishes and sells old motorcycles giving them a new lease of life.  

Prior to joining The Princes Trust Enterprise programme, both Thomas and Joshua were unemployed and things weren’t going to plan for them as they were unable to gain work and had been claiming benefits for a number of months. They had previously trained in college to gain their motor diagnostic technician qualifications and decided that they wanted to find out about becoming self employed.

Thomas and Joshua approached The Princes Trust towards the end of last year and attended an informal Information Session to learn about Princes Trust support before successfully completing the Exploring Enterprise Course. The free four day training course gave them skills and knowledge in booking, tax, business planning and marketing and selling. In addition it gave them confidence to believe that they could make their ideas a reality.

Thomas said “The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme gave us loads to think about and has given us a whole new outlook on life. That is 100% down to The Trust and the help they have given me and Josh.”

  

After the course they gained one to one support from a business advisor to help them focus on their next steps. Once their business plan was complete they were awarded a £4000 start up loan to launch the business.

Since starting their business they have been given a mentor for two years, have secured regular orders and haven’t looked back since. Josh said “We would definitely recommend the Enterprise Programme to anyone looking to start up a business” 

Find out more about Kraken Motorcycles on Facebook KrakenMotorcyclesUK

If you would like to find out how to receive support from The Prince's Trust or any of the other Enterprise Hub experts, contact us today on 0151 706 8113 or enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk.

Enterprise Hub is part funded by European Regional Development Fund and offer FREE advice and expertise to help residents of Liverpool City Region to start a business.