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.
