 |
| Company: |
Juniper Events Ltd |
| Location: |
Penrith, Cumbria |
| Established: |
1985 |
| Sector: |
Events management & wedding planning |
| No of employees: |
1 full time, 8 part time | |
Julie was referred to Business Link Northwest adviser Sarah Craig in April 2008. Julie has had a positive and long-standing relationship with Business Link since Juniper Events’ inception more than two decades ago, so when she decided to branch out, she immediately called on the service to help her make the most of the opportunity.
Planning a wedding budget
Julie worked with her Business Link adviser to explore various options for growth and diversification. During the course of these discussions, Julie decided to create a whole new company, Juniper Weddings Ltd, to offer a complete wedding organisation service. This meant she could embrace the chance to expand and make the most of her existing skills, knowledge and resources.
To diversify in this way would require funding so Sarah suggested that Julie could apply to the Small Firms Loans Guarantee Scheme, through her bank. This process required the development of an in-depth business and marketing plan, including financial projections, to assist the loan application. Sarah was instrumental in helping Julie to compile the different elements of the necessary paperwork.
If Julie is successful in her funding bid, the money will enable her business to grow further over the next three years, increasing turnover and profitability and creating up to three new jobs.
A happy unionJulie says: "I think that Business Link should be the first point of contact for anyone either starting up a business or wanting to move it forwards. They helped me consolidate my thoughts, put me in touch with the right people quickly and guided me in making the best decisions for the future success of my business. My adviser helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses and evaluate my competition which enabled me to define what I should be doing.
"I would say that being involved with Business Link has increased my turnover by at least 30 per cent. It helped me see the true value of my business and have given me the confidence to make the right decisions – you really can’t put a value on that. My adviser has taken the time to really understand my business and that means she can pick up on the best opportunities for me."
Business Link adviser Sarah Craig says: "I’ve supported Juniper Events through each stage of the business planning process. At my instigation, Julie has approached a consultant to review her business and marketing plan and to produce the necessary financial report required. She says she is delighted with the service provided by Business Link Northwest and she now regards me as her ‘business buddy’!"
Business Link Northwest will remain in regular contact with Juniper Events to offer mentoring support as the business grows, both as a wedding planning service and as a supplier of marquee hire and events management to the public and private sector.
Julie concludes: "I don’t think Juniper Events would be where it is today without Business Link. The service has given me the confidence to make decisions that I may not have made on my own and enabled me to make the most of every opportunity open to me."