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They did it! Inspiring stories from people just like you

Read how we have helped the below businesses on their road to success.

Featured Inspiring Story

Sam's Cafe - Norwich

Sam’s Cafe in Norwich opened in February 2020 after Sam received support from Ian Bird under the New Anglia Growth Programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund and received a start up loan to be able to purchase the business he had previously worked in.

Just three weeks into his new venture and the coronavirus lockdown could have finished his business before he had even traded for one month but not for this entrepreneur.

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27th July 2017

Erik of London

Erik of London is a creative design house that delivers exclusive, high quality fashion apparel and lifestyle items inspired by traditional and popular black culture. Established by business owner, Frederic Jean-Baptiste in May 2017, they offer creative and high quality products and competitive price to value ratio. We spoke to Frederic about his inspirations and start-up journey.

27th July 2017

JamPot

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.

26th July 2017

Tiffey Valley Garden and Home Services

Lynn Dorsett, from Barnham Broom in Norfolk, had always dreamed of working for herself. Having worked in a variety of public and private sector administration roles, when the opportunity arose to reduce her hours, it was her love of gardening and the outdoors which motivated her to explore the option of becoming self-employed.

12th July 2017

MirrorMirror

Having worked in a hair salon for four years, Lowestoft-based hairdresser and beauty therapist Jodie Clavin felt she had gained plenty of skills and experience, and the time was right to go it alone. We spoke to Jodie about finding freedom and flexibility as a business owner, and how Nwes helped her to launch MirrorMirror Unisex Hair Boutique in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

10th July 2017

Neill Sports Ltd

Following a career-ending injury and after being diagnosed with cancer, ex-footballer, David Neill decided to channel these experiences into something positive in order to take control of his life. David realised he could combine his potential as an event organiser, with his commitment to football by organising five and six a side football events. His business idea was born.

7th July 2017

Ipswich Town and Waterfront

Providing Digital Marketing Solutions for local businesses, Ipswich Town and Waterfront has been a champion for Ipswich as a great place to live, work, study, play and invest since 2013. With a passion for promoting independent businesses, events and news, business owners Kevin Barber and Natalie Chaplin have the support of a number of local businesses and organisations with the same values.

6th July 2017

Lincoln Canine Creche

With a background in business, dog walking, and supporting dog owners with dog behavioural issues, when an opportunity arose to establish a luxury canine crèche, Helen Grimsey was perfectly placed to seize it.

5th July 2017

Heritage Care at Home

Leiston-based Domiciliary Care Provider, Heritage Care at Home was established by Directors, Pat Smith and Karen Jefferson in January 2011. In that time, with the support of Nwes Property Services, they have supported families throughout Suffolk, and have seen considerable business success and growth.

26th June 2017

Garden Food Prep

With a background in food and fitness, and the drive and determination to help people to adopt healthier eating habits, Christian Larocque was inspired to start up his own food preparation business.

5th June 2017

Company HQ Barbers

With industry experience spanning 25 years, and 5 years teaching expertise, Nicki Cockbill was perfectly placed to set up her own business. Having registered her start-up business, Company HQ Limited barbers, in July 2016, Nicki is now looking forward to opening her long-awaited shop and training academy in Southend-on-Sea. We spoke to Nicki about her start-up journey and her passion for what she does.

2nd June 2017

Electric Copper Films

Benedict Coen is an award winning, independent film maker, and tutor in high end video production. When he decided to set up his own business, he turned to Nwes for advice. Chelmsford-based Electric Copper Films launched in January 2017. We spoke to Benedict about his start-up.

2nd June 2017

Norwich Fitness Academy

Originally from Leeds, Katharine Appleton and her partner James Bradshaw fell in love with the city of Norwich when James was stationed in Norfolk as an RAF Aircraft Technician. Kat was already self-employed as a Personal Trainer with a background as a competitive sprinter and bodybuilding competitor, and when she and James realised everything the county could offer, it led them to make the life-changing decision to set up The Norwich Fitness Academy.

2nd June 2017

Platinum Moments Limited

Specialising in providing party equipment to hire for a wide variety of celebration events, Canvey Island-based start-up Platinum Moments Limited sought the support of Nwes to boost business. Business support and advice from Nwes through the Essex Growth Programme, and a successful application for a Start Up Loan gave Platinum Moments Limited a platform upon which they could strengthen their offer.

22nd May 2017

Lesley’s Aquatics

When Lesley-Ann Gibson won two goldfish during a visit to a fair many years ago, she could never have known that it would lead her to a future career and becoming self-employed. Now, several years later and having developed a passion for aquatics, Lesley-Ann is over the moon to have started her own business. She opened Lesley’s Aquatics in Grantham in April 2017.

22nd May 2017

Cositas

Bringing a fusion of vintage and contemporary interiors, and offering customers the opportunity to attend courses to create something themselves, is Cositas in St Albans. The brainchild of Emma Bustamante, Cositas was launched in February 2017. We spoke to Emma about how Nwes supported her in her pursuit of her business dream.

10th May 2017

Lash and Glo

Beauty therapist Lucy Weedon developed a passion for her trade while training and, after initially working from her parents’ converted garage, she realised that she wanted to expand the business, and turned to Nwes for advice.

8th May 2017

Research Runner Ltd

Based at the thriving Harlow Enterprise Hub, Research Runner Ltd, have the perfect base from which to drive their business forward. As a global sales consultancy who specialise in Market Research, Research Runner Ltd offer unique new business lead generation and Market Research services. Company Directors Tracey and Julian Haste are proud of their experience in the industry and how they have helped to support businesses to achieve success. We spoke to them about Research Runner Ltd.

8th May 2017

Trust Financial Solutions

Following its launch in 2005, Trust Financial Solutions has gone from strength to strength, after finding its ideal home within the South Suffolk Business Centre in Sudbury. We spoke to business owner, Anthea Osborne, about the business and the support she receives from Nwes.

8th May 2017

ClueTrace

Taking the popular concept of escape games to an exciting new level, entrepreneurs Andrea Bien and Adam Rabcsak, have introduced technology to their ‘second generation’ live escape game, ClueTrace. Andrea and Adam launched their business, with the support of London Small Business Centre (LSBC), part of the Nwes Group, in Hackney in September 2016.

27th April 2017

Alan Michael Usher Photography

After taking up photography while studying Fine Art, Alan Usher developed his passion while working in the photographic department of a newspaper. After gaining several years’ experience he decided to go it alone and set up Alan Michael Usher Photography operating in the King’s Lynn area.

25th April 2017

Independent Lives (Norfolk) Ltd

With a passion for supporting those with disabilities, when Social Workers Graham Hope and Amanda Martin met up for a coffee, conversation soon turned to an idea about setting up a new day service in Norfolk. We spoke to Amanda and Graham about their new venture.

12th April 2017

BM Property Agents

With ten years of experience in the industry and an incredible ambition, Barry Mustafa is 100% driven to achieve success with his own business, BM Property Agents. The lettings and property management company, under the guidance of Managing Director Barry, prides itself on providing the ultimate professional service in Southend-on-Sea and the surrounding area.

6th April 2017

The Engaging People Company

Having previously worked as the Director of Engagement with a local housing provider, Michelle Gant wanted to build on the passion she had developed through many years of working in engagement and delivering satisfaction. After starting a family, she was determined to be a good role model for her daughter; she decided to follow her heart and set up her own business.

5th April 2017

Betty’s Unisex Hair Studio

It is many people’s dream to start a family business. Having passed on her passion for styling hair to her daughter, Elizabeth Kungu has achieved this by setting up Betty’s Unisex Hair Studio, which launched in August 2016 in the heart of Barking.

 

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