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From Catalonia to the Cotswolds
Born in Spain, Carlos has always loved paella and when he moved to the Cotswolds he decided to bring his passion for Spanish food with him. Carlos has had years of experience refining his paella recipes, adopting the techniques of his Spanish mother and Catalonian grandmother. With additional experience managing restaurants in Bristol, Carlos knew Read more
Lockability is the key to Waheed’s happiness
With varied background, including a stint as a professional youth footballer, sports therapist, a degree in Business Management, and working for both charities and corporates in the capital, Waheed Akhtar just couldn’t find the right fit. Finally, he unlocked his potential by setting up his own locksmith business, and now he has job satisfaction and Read more
Rebecca opens up a real Treat for everyone
Inspired by her Grandmother’s belief in complementary therapy, Rebecca Geanty has established a new clinic, which offers affordable complementary health care to suit the needs of her clients. Treat is based in Capitol House on Norwich’s Heigham Street. At the heart of the centre is a multi-bed acupuncture clinic where Rebecca and her team can Read more
It’s all go for Go Leisure
Sam Coates had always dreamed that one day he would run his own business. When he spotted a gap in the market for an American-themed grill on the North Norfolk coast, he jumped at the opportunity. After seeking support from enterprise agency, Nwes, Sam launched Sammy’s Bar and Grill, under his Go Leisure business in Read more
Judo passion inspires sportswear fashion
When Daisy Walsh was growing up, she had two passions: Judo and fashion. She competed internationally at Judo and was awarded several medals. With dreams of representing her country in the Olympics, her judo career ended after she suffered a knee injury. It was then that Daisy recognised a gap in the market for fashionable Read more
The beauty of financial support makes Lindsey’s dream a reality
Lindsey Jones had dreamed of owning her own beauty salon for many years. That dream finally became a reality in May 2016 when she opened The Apothecary Salon in her home village of Tickhill, South Yorkshire. Having previously offered beauty treatments from her home, when Lindsey committed to the purchase of a retail premises she approached Read more
Business growth is the focus for Bravo Bravo
Sam Hoh and Sam Clarke approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in early 2016 for support to help establish their graphic design business to enable it to grow further. Although both Sam Hoh and Sam Clarke had significant experience in graphic design, they lacked the in-depth financial and networking knowledge to establish themselves in Read more
Business support gives new care agency a healthy start
Tonderai Puwai approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in early 2016 for support to help establish his healthcare business and to seek funding support to enable it to grow further. Although Tonderai had several years of experience working in the NHS, his core experience had been in banking and finance. He was looking for Read more
Pizza business firmly based in Braunton, Devon
When Tom Honey was just 16, he and four friends travelled between campsites with a pop-up pizza restaurant. Initially Tom had the simple idea to make some cash selling pizzas to campers; he never expected the reaction that the venture received. As it was Tom that had the brilliant business idea, he asked his friends Read more
Support programme fixes it for Rosie
Whilst out of work due to an injury, Rosie Noorlander begun considering alternative ways that she could make an income, and had a ‘light bulb moment’ to open a phone shop. Using her extra available time, Rosie conducted an initial market analysis of both Sherborne and Dorchester and realised that her idea could be more Read more
Wood fired Italian pizza comes to Essex
SanFranCo plans to sell sourdough pizza’s and bread, as well as healthy products to local residents, providing an authentic taste of Italy. With a unique selling point of sourdough as the base for pizzas and bread, using a wood fired oven SanFranCo produces a healthier and superior tasting product, which the business owner, Jeanina Giuliucci Read more
Vision is the future in business directories
BVPages is a unique directory that allows businesses to highlight their products and services through the form of video. This platform has been designed so that clients can make more informed choices and discover something new. It is the only online directory that features video as a standard listing. Sandra Augusti, founder of BV Pages, Read more
Hobby becomes recipe for success
What started as a hobby for Kerry Watson has turned into a business, and now the future looks tasty for Kerry’s Sweetcakes. “I have had a longstanding passion for baking and developed my craft over the years.” Kerry explains. “I am completely self-taught and what started off as a hobby has transpired into a business Read more
It’s no mystery why Alasdair’s business idea was such a success
Alasdair Willett set up Captivate Heritage Ltd, trading as History Mystery in June 2015. History Mystery provides history-based live escape games, an exciting new way to enjoy a uniquely fun experience with family or friends. An exhilarating hour of interactive puzzles and discovery for 2 to 7 players, based on the real stories of people Read more
Massage therapy for local community with support from Start & Grow
Having grown up in Highampton, a small village near Bude, Jody Dennett moved back home from London after struggling to find consistent work. She found a job in her home town and enrolled onto a sports massage course whilst in full-time employment. Jody is now certified in both VTCT Level 3 and 4 in Sports Massage Therapy Read more
Jordan is blown away by startup business success
Jordan Pickford-Gray approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in November 2015 for support to establish his upcoming business in hand-blown glassware, to include dining ware and artistic sculptures. As a recent Design Crafts graduate looking to start his own business, Jordan needed thorough support in all areas of business planning, marketing, financing and sales Read more
No More Taboo – a new business to shout about
Chloe Tingle spent 6 months working in Bolivia on a menstrual health project. Upon Chloe’s return to the UK, in February 2015, her passion for this topic led her to establish her own social enterprise under the name of No More Taboo. No More Taboo’s three main areas of focus are: selling sustainable sanitary products Read more
European grant to invest in new design and print business
James Howsam approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in May 2016 for support to help establish his upcoming graphic design and print business in Lincolnshire. As a recent graphic design graduate from The University of Derby, James had the skills to supply a high-quality graphic design service but lacked the business infrastructure, knowledge and Read more
Coffee shop reaches new heights through Start & Grow with its delicious Chimney Cakes
St Ives’ Oana’s coffee shop brings a traditional Transylvanian treat to Cambridgeshire. Chimney Cakes are a sweet pastry, cooked on a special spindle and topped with things like Nutella, cinnamon, coconut and sugar. But where did this decidedly delicious story begin? Dean Castel took voluntary redundancy after 21 years as a Tesco manager. He wanted Read more
Lack of choice in children’s fashion leads to launch of new online business
Hip Little People was launched by Lucy Taylor and Kelly Vega after seeing a lack of availability for what they were looking for in children’s fashion. The pair decided to launch an online fashion boutique selling clothes, toys, books, accessories and décor for young children up to the age of seven. HLP Specialise in selling Read more
Support from Start & Grow gives primary school children new learning resource
Sophie Cooper is a Key Stage 1 Primary school teacher and whilst working with her Year 1 students she realised just how crucial the ability to read to an appropriate level was for her students. At the end of Year 1, students take the first test of their school career, testing their ability to read Read more
Superior Car Wash Service for Weston-Super-Mare
Weston-Super-Mare has a new car wash in the centre of town that is proving popular with the seaside town’s residents. Berti’s Car wash operates in the heart of the town from the car park of a busy Tesco supermarket, an ideal location which gives the business a high footfall of clients looking to get their car Read more
Healthy business start up
Dan Gifford had the brilliant idea of offering a wholesome food café that offered food made to order in contrast to some other ‘fast food’ outlets that are not particularly healthy or nutritious. His ambition is to raise awareness to help combat obesity and offer a healthy alternative that stimulates the taste buds. iPads in the café Read more
Family tradition continues through new start up in Norwich
Marian and Doville Sprinceana both have a long family history in furniture. “All our family was involved in manufacturing high quality wooden furniture and this passion was transmitted from generation to generation.” says Marian. Working in the furniture and engineering industries, Marian found a way to use his unique experience to begin his business. His Read more
Threat of redundancy transports Neil to business owner status
Facing the possibility of redundancy after a career spent solely in the transport sector, Neil Thomas found the motivation to set up his own business. Launched amidst a growing nationwide crisis over driver shortages, Neil set up Blue Triangle Training, and HGV training firm offering tuition to drivers wanting to gain their HGV/LGV licences. However, Read more
Liberty Rocks finds solid foundations with valuable business advice
Liberty Rocks is an art production and consultancy business run by partners Ruby SoHo and Juliet Webb, that makes 3D sculpture, art installations, set design and prop fabrication, for events across the country. The business specialises in interactive and mechanical art that is produced for projects which are aimed to grab the attention of and Read more
All’s well for launch of product into new market for startup business
In August 2014, Gary Lloyd acquired the domain www.wellbeingbristol.co.uk, which is where it all began for his startup business. Gary originally offered his services ‘holistic therapy for mind and body’ – counselling and healing – through his website. However his business model has changed and with the help and support of Start & Grow in April 2016 Gary Read more
Career change with Movement Boutique
After moving to Bristol in February 2015 Marcelle Fletcher decided a career change was needed, after working in the public sector for more than 30 years. Having a friend who owned a fashion boutique in London spurred Marcelle to open her own venture down in Bristol. Adding a unique selling point to the boutique she Read more
Walking sticks will no longer go astray
Caroline Brown’s business idea was simply to design a walking stick holder that would stop the problem of walking sticks falling to the floor. This led to the walking stick holder that is versatile enough to attach to almost every surface aptly named StickStay being created. The product has been carefully designed and developed with Read more
Pure Greenhouses and the Start & Grow initiative sow the seeds for business success
In October 2014 Joe Ellis and Matt Howis started developing a product this was a frameless greenhouse, the idea was to create a greenhouse that you would be proud to place in your garden and not want to hide in the corner. In June 2015 the research and development of the product was complete and Read more
Start & Grow brings music to their ears
Seeing an established practice and recording studio up for sale sparked the interest of three young entrepreneurs, Alex Coulson, Daniel Schofield and Thomas Smith. Each of the three had relevant degrees and industry experience and immediately saw what potential there was in the existing business. The group wanted to further develop the recording side of things specifically and also introduce the recording of videos too. The business was for sale Read more
Patience goes on to give her own advice to help others
Patience Chipaumire-Oyeniran has just opened the doors to her very own care agency in Leicester, Panashe Home Care Services, so elderly people can enjoy a high standard of comfortable care in their own homes. Thanks to NBV Enterprise Solutions (part of the Nwes Group), Patience is also running a consultancy to advise budding care home owners on how to start up their own agencies. “NBV have made Read more
The sweet song of success from Nightingales
Janette Hynes MBE was looking for additional sources of income to support her charitable activities, offering young people from disadvantaged and troubled backgrounds a therapeutic experience to help grow their skills and positive attitude. A new eatery with a difference in the thriving market town of Pickering became an attractive proposition. However, it was not Read more
Fenwick Food Hall is new home to South East Asian street food
Steve and Parichat Somsri-Kirby opened Ko Sai, based in the multi-million-pound new look Fenwick Food Hall, specialises in South East Asian street food, serving up a menu inspired by Parichat’s childhood in Thailand – packed with ingredients such as kaffir lime, lemongrass, fiery chillies and galangal. The contemporary menu show-cases dishes from Vietnam, Cambodia, China Read more
Agency shows genuine care in its approach to business
Michael Rugoyi and Mike Cooper approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in May 2015. Both had extensive experience in mental health nursing and wanted to utilise this to launch an agency that genuinely cared for its staff, by giving them the opportunity to own Trent Nursing via a share scheme. They met with East Read more
Support and business strategy are Taylor-made for each other
Mathew Spence approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in August 2015. He had extensive experience in plumbing, heating, fabrication and welding and wanted to capitalise on his experience by launching his own renewable plumbing company. Although Mathew had a unique idea, he wanted training and advice to know exactly how to start it up, Read more
Where there’s a will, there’s a new way
Wills Express is an online solicitor business. Seeing clients in their homes, or her own, Alison offers a whole suite of professional services including Will drafting, preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney and advice upon Advanced Directives and applications for Grants of Probate. Having worked for many firms, Alison wanted the autonomy of being self-employed. Read more
All becomes clear for Melting Messages after support from Start & Grow
Melting Messages have designed a candle that, once lit, will burn down to reveal a hidden message. As a company they are very much about enhancing those special moments in people’s lives through their products. The company was launched in February, 2016 and is enjoying great success in the wholesale market and have recently secured a Read more
Security company finds optimum service from Start & Grow
Optimum Security Services provides large scale security services for pubs, clubs, the film industry and sporting events. The ethos behind Nathan’s business is quality over quantity and he ensures that every member of his team undergoes training in vital areas such as first aid, team building, customers service, communication and problem solving. The business is Read more
The unstoppable Huxley crew
Huxley is a full-service film production studio, combining contemporary film making and animation to create brave, branded content. The team consists of three directors; Andy Eagles, Alex Try and Jose Macerola. Huxley specialises in creating online video content for lifestyle, sport, tech and travel brands. Daring creative and strong narrative are the drivers of their Read more
Supportiv gets business support to deliver support itself
Hayley Ramm, a recruitment advisor from Bolton has established a new venture to deliver her own support for enterprises with their recruitment needs. Supportiv offers specialist advice which, unlike a recruitment agency which focuses upon sourcing candidates, will offer expertise in a range of areas including analysing the vacancy needs within a company, developing job descriptions Read more
Crafted advice supports growth for needlework teacher
Sandra Petty approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in 2015. Although she had experience of teaching sewing and crafting classes, she needed support in how to run a professional retail premises when the opportunity arose to rent a double-fronted shop with her friend and business partner, Kay. Sandra was provided with tailored support from East Read more
Finest coffee and tea available on-line too!
Louise Hesketh of Arabica Finest Coffee and Tea approached NBV (part of the Nwes Group) in October 2015. Louise already had over a decade of experience of running her own retail shop, but had dreamed of opening an artisan coffee and tea shop to add to her empire for a long time. Louise was introduced Read more
New Italian take-away brings a smile to Ipswich
Autentico Gusto is Ipswich’s newest Italian takeaway restaurant. With several years’ experience in the restaurant industry, the couple’s focus is to satisfy the customer’s demand for a good quality pizza & pasta that is delivered fast and hot – with a smile. Jolanta has long harboured a passion for cooking and writes a food blog, Read more
Care company benefits from external support
After spending time providing care for family members, and being disappointed at the lack of genuine care available both in a domicile and palliative capacity, Victoria and Peter Jobson decided to set up Collingwood Care to provide a high standard of care to those needing it most, with the hope that their high standard might Read more
The right advice puts couple in Fine Spirits
The Fine Spirits Company are an online retailer dedicated to the sale of premium, small batch and craft spirits, including gin, rum, vodka and whisky. Registered as a limited company in December 2014 they began trading in May 2015. Kim Wells devised the initial concept of the company alongside Matt Parsons, after spending some time Read more
Juuce Bristol embraces the local community
Juuce Bristol is a concept for a coffee and smoothie bar that offers healthy eating supplements alongside freshly prepared juices, smoothies and aero press filtered coffee. Alex came to Business West seeking help in setting up the business. Alex’s business model incorporated the ideology that serving products in a relaxed but vibrant environment, embracing the Read more
Business training and advice supports new fitness training business
As a personal trainer, Sam Ely understands you get out what you put in – but a good strategy will get you there much quicker. Sam’s business, Results Aimed Workouts, is a group training facility that offers science-backed, formulated training whilst still offering a personal connection, fun and social interaction with other like-minded people. Unlike Read more
£25,0000 investment to grow Seaweed & Co
An enterprising North East marine biologist is on track to make seaweed a food of the future thanks to a £25,000 investment from Virgin StartUp, and assistance from TEDCO Business Support through the Start & Grow programme. Seaweed & Co has launched offering seaweed ingredients for the food and nutrition industries, using high quality seaweed Read more
Sweet Dreams turn to Reality with New Business Venture
An enterprising couple have given their sweet new business in Middlesbrough a boost thanks to help and guidance through the Start & Grow programme and a £40,000 start-up loan. De Melo, based on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough had a flying start in July 2015 when, to satisfy the sugar cravings of Teesside residents, husband and Read more
Enterprising Mums Launch Picture Perfect New Baby Business in South Shields
Two enterprising women from Jarrow are giving new mothers the chance to get an early peek at their little ones with a revolutionary new pregnancy scan service, thanks to help from the Start & Grow programme, delivered by TEDCO Business Support, and finance through Virgin StartUp. Kelly Thompson (33) and Hayley Dixon (29) have launched Read more
Fit for a gentleman
Having grown up on the South Coast, Jon Walker and his girlfriend Liz Raffles knew of all the quality retailers in Winchester providing men’s clothing but found that sourcing luxury accessories and gifts for men outside of London was very difficult. They saw a gap in the market to sell 100% British products ranging from Read more
Personal service is driving force for Carers Elite Limited
Carers Elite Limited is a specialist local independent care agency. With Jonathon Lofthouse at the helm, Carers Elite is a small business that genuinely cares. Each employee joining the company receives full training, giving Jonathon the assurance that clients are receiving a first class service, and ensuring that staff feel valued and cared for. Jonathon will Read more
Making training an enjoyable experience
The team at GlobeUs Training in Southampton believes that high quality training should be available to everyone which is why they offer a wide range of courses across many sectors that are cost effective and flexible. Whether you want face to face or on-line delivery, short courses or bespoke packages, multi-lingual tutors or foreign language Read more
Craig brings his comic hobby to business fruition
Craig Prothero was working as an electrician, but had a lifelong passion for comic books, films, graphic novels and sci-fi that he wanted to embrace. With nearly 20 years of product knowledge behind him, Craig decided it was time to fulfil his dream to own a comic store. Trinity C is an online store selling Read more
Nice and Reliable
N&R Gardening Services lives up to its name – providing nice and reliable outdoor maintenance services including grass cutting, hedge and tree removal, and gutter clearing. Nathan Yaxley had always dreamed of running his own gardening business but never found the courage to get started. It was working alongside his father-in-law installing sea defenses that gave Read more
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