Quilter's Den expanding with business programme support

A finance consultant who has been sewing for over 40 years has relaunched a business to teach others her skills.

Karen McIlwraith expanded her sewing skills by learning to quilt at the Quilter’s Den in Smith Street, Warwick, six years ago.

Now, with the help of the Warwickshire County Council-backed Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme she is relaunching the specialist shop.

After the previous owner semi-retired, Karen decided to buy the Quilter’s Den and put her own stamp on the business, expanding on the services offered to appeal to a wider audience.

Alongside a full-time asset finance role, she has spent the last few years teaching others how to sew. Working occasional weekends at the shop, she has now launched a series of practical workshops aimed at passing on her skills to people of all ages and abilities.

After taking her idea for the relaunch of the business to Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Karen received help and support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme.

The programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund in partnership with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the District and Borough Councils, helped her with networking and attending business events in the region.

The Chamber’s support and advice helped Karen to build the reputation of her business and provided her with advice on the steps to take after it relaunched.

Karen said: “I first became interested in sewing through my great-aunt who gave me an old hand-treadle sewing machine when I was seven and since then I haven’t been able to stop! So it made sense that eventually I would own my own business selling gorgeous fabrics and sharing my passion for textile craft.

“I approached the Chamber of Commerce as I knew their Business Support Programme would help me with the business and their advice and support became a crucial aid in reinforcing my existing business knowledge.

“I decided that the introduction of dressmaking and quilting workshops would appeal to a wider demographic - and they have been incredibly popular so far with lots of guest tutors contributing.

"With the support of the Chamber I intend to increase the range of workshops as well as offering City and Guilds courses in Patchwork and Quilting from January 2019."

Tanya King, a business coach with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has advised and supported Karen in developing the business.

She said: “We’re excited to continue guiding and supporting Karen in the future as she increases her product range.

“Karen has attended our masterclass events and workshops and we have been able to offer one-to-one support to help the company develop after the relaunch.”

For more information on the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support programme, call the Chamber on 024 7665 4321 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk