Success is sewn up

Lime Tree Embroidery and Print was set up by Sarah Walkden after seeing a gap in the market to start her own business providing embroidered clothing, gifts and accessories to clients in the local area. Sarah needed to test the waters before developing her idea into a viable business by doing some market research starting with promoting her product. After using an external supplier to complete the embroidery this resulted in many orders.

The initial test was successful and proved there was an opportunity for an embroidery and printing business. Sarah’s business would be local, cost effective and provide a personal service.

To obtain additional support she made contact with the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network and was put in touch with Tanya King, a business coach from delivery partner Pera Consulting. It was agreed that Sarah would benefit from coaching on how to develop and grow the business and also receiving assistance on to buy an embroidery machine.

She received one to one coaching from Tanya and attended a number of workshops provided by WRGN. Sarah also applied for, and received, a start-up grant to help buy the required machinery.

The business has been established, a marketing campaign has been put in place and the website developed, all through the coaching programme.

Lime Tree Embroidery and Print is now receiving regular orders each week, repeat orders and even referrals from satisfied customers. 

Nico Garnier, project manager at Pera Consulting, said:  "This was an excellent contact for Pera to make.  We helped Sarah establish her business needs and pointed out how she might gain access to funds and now we're delighted to see that she has prospered."

For further details on how Pera Consulting can help businesses, call 01664 501587 or email nicolas.garnier@peraconsulting.com

For more information about Lime Tree Embroidery visit http://www.limetreeembroidery.co.uk