JamPot

Business Name:  JamPot

Support Received:  Start & Grow

Location:  Norwich

Website:  www.jampotnorwich.co.uk


 

Opened in Norwich city centre in June 2017, JamPot is an independent retail store selling quirky gifts and funky furniture.  The brainchild of husband and wife team, John and Sam Neild, JamPot is the result of a labour of love that brought to fruition their belief that shopping should be fun.

We spoke to John and Sam about how they brought their JamPot dream to life.

How has your background influenced your start-up journey?

John:  I worked in the banking industry for almost thirty years, and Sam with a background in banking and education, we decided to explore a change of direction.  We followed our hearts and used our customer service experience as the firm foundation upon which we could build our dream of JamPot.

Can you tell us more about what JamPot offers?

Sam: Our premises on Timberhill dates back to the 1700’s, and we have transformed the space in order to achieve our vision.  It is stocked with a spectacular range of quirky and fun gifts and homeware to appeal to a wide variety of customers.

We provide unusual gifts, as well as a variety of hand-made and vintage furniture.  The shop is a great mix of new, retro and vintage.

The counter in the shop is even constructed to look like a red London Bus, with our own JamPot number plate.

What makes JamPot unique?

Sam:  We have a set of record decks, so customers can play some vinyl while they shop, and we even have our own dance floor!

John:  We offer bespoke furniture to our customers, as well as offering unique gift items.

How has Nwes supported you?

Sam: We turned to enterprise agency, Nwes to refine our business skills.  We received 1-to-1 business advice and support from Nwes Deputy Area Manager, Victoria Williamson.

We also attended free workshops run by John Clarke to boost our knowledge of financial forecasting and marketing.

This support through Nwes, gave us a launch-pad from which we could fly and, with continued support through the Start & Grow programme, we are well placed to develop JamPot.

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“Since we served our first customer shortly after opening our doors, the highlight has been seeing customers enjoy their shopping experience, hearing positive feedback and the pride we feel at what we have achieved.”  

Have you encountered and challenges, and how did you overcome these?

John:  Starting up in business has presented challenges, and we soon realised that it wasn’t going to be an easy journey.  However, we are resilient and talk through any obstacles thoroughly in order to find the right solution.  Nwes remains within easy reach if we need further advice and support.

The challenges of starting a new business certainly shouldn’t be underestimated.  It’s been hard work, but completely worth it to have a business we can call our own.

It has been great to work with members of the Nwes team and gain impartial advice and support.  It is good to have them on hand if we need to discuss and chat through any issues.

What has been your highlight so far?

Sam:  Since we served our first customer shortly after opening our doors, the highlight has been seeing customers enjoy their shopping experience, hearing positive feedback and the pride we feel at what we have achieved.

It’s wonderful to meet new customers and hear them make positive comments about our shop and our products.

What does the future hold for JamPot?

John:   It’s still early days for JamPot but it’s our long term dream.  We are aiming to build our reputation and establish ourselves as the ‘go to place’ in Norwich for gifts and furniture.

The ultimate goal is to be a profitable business with a successful retail store and online sales.  Who knows?  Soon there might be JamPots popping up all over the country!

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