September 2022

WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Wondering about setting up your own business...‘Go for it!’

Starting up your own business is a huge step and can seem very intimidating. For those who go for it, however, the rewards are there...and crucially, for those considering taking the leap, the support is there, as Cathy Frances, founder of Stratford Family Mediation, can testify.

"If ever a county was prepared for supporting budding entrepreneurs, then it is Warwickshire."

Have you ever wondered about setting up your own business and being your own boss? Taking the plunge to do this is a giddying, heart-stopping experience.

Once you’ve made the big decision, you’ll face myriad small decisions and numerous variables - from what name to choose and finding premises through to identifying potential clients and marketing on social media. You’ll be MD, Head of Sales and Marketing, Head of Operations (customer service and product development) and Head of Finance (accounting and HR). Quite a daunting prospect!

But I can vouch that it can be done. If you are thinking about setting up your own business, I would wholeheartedly say, ‘Go for it!’  And if you are fortunate enough to live in Warwickshire, I would say ‘GO FOR IT!’ If ever a county was prepared for supporting budding entrepreneurs, then it is Warwickshire. The support I received towards setting up my business was immense. 

I had always worked in the welfare sector and didn’t think I had a business-savvy bone in my body. Well, it turns out that I do. 

In 2019, I decided to refocus my experience and qualifications, and study to become a family mediator, helping couples who are separating and divorcing to agree child arrangements and separate finances for a ‘clean break.’ Certificate in hand, I set about finding paid employment in my new sector and found, to my surprise, there were no mediation businesses based in Stratford-upon-Avon.  

This obviously presented a fabulous, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity to set up my own business practice. I was extremely fortunate to be directed towards the Warwickshire Start-up Programme, a blend of free workshops, coaching and mentoring, delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council. The Programme forms part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Warwickshire County Council and the five District and Borough Councils. 

The Chamber deliver a phenomenal range of practical, constructive workshops which I started attending at venues throughout Warwickshire and online. The presenters led me and other budding entrepreneurs through our business vision, dealing with all aspects including strategy and planning, creating a website, setting up an accountancy system and finding and keeping customers. There was a range of masterclasses on different social media platforms. Perhaps most importantly, the presenters inspired and motivated us, and truly supported us through the start-up process, tailoring all the information to suit our individual business plans.

Part of the Programme includes having a mentor, who provides one-to-one support, setting tasks and deadlines, and nurturing you towards ‘launch’ day and beyond. As I didn’t feel comfortable in running my new business from home, one of the biggest obstacles I faced was finding suitable premises. It needed to look slick and professional, with a meeting room to mediate clients, plus easy access and parking, all for a reasonable price.  Having identified potential premises, the even bigger challenge proved to be providing business references and guarantors. As a start-up, you have no proven track record or accounts, but without an office, a business like mine has no chance of launching … a quintessential catch 22 situation. 

One day, I was discussing this with my mentor, Tanya, when she suggested I approach Venture House, a purpose-built business centre near the centre of Stratford-on-Avon. The Centre is owned and run by Stratford District Council and specifically designed as a launch pad for start-up businesses. I looked at the website and initially thought one of their hotdesks might work okay. Then I visited and saw the serviced office facilities on offer and fell in love! The offices are ultra-modern, sunny and furnished, with use of a kitchen, meeting room and shower and the rent includes internet, parking, cleaning and all utility services. To top it off, the Venture House staff are friendly and keen to signpost you to all kinds for further support and opportunities. 

My business is now up and running and I feel very blessed to have had the support of the Start Up programme and now Venture House. I would strongly implore anyone considering setting up their own business in Warwickshire to go to the Chamber of Commerce website without delay.

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