Workshops

Setting up and running a business can be a daunting prospect. But the spirit of entrepreneurship that accompanies every new and growing business can also liberate, excite and inspire. The FSB have launched the Real-Life Entrepreneur campaign to ensure that at every level of Government, entrepreneurs are viewed as potential wealth, growth and job creators of the future.

The 6 workshops are an opportunity for the local small business community to tell us about their barriers to growth and to inform Government what polices they should focus on to help stimulate the economy.

Whether it be access to finance, regulation or tax we need to know what YOU think the Government can do to create a culture of entrepreneurship and to enable the smallest of businesses to flourish.

RUGBY: 22nd June 2012 at 7am at Rugby College

Awards

With our continued support for small businesses, we have now launched the ‘Real-Life Entrepreneur' award, which is a great opportunity for local businesses to shout about their successes

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Entering the awards can't be easier, download a simple application form which asks for information about your business – a subject you will know like the back of their hand!

Successful applicants will be invited to the awards ceremony on Friday 13th July from 12pm at Warwick University.

Case Studies

Hear from our local case studies - click on the video to hear why they think they are a Real-life Entrepreneur.

Paula Cook - Truly Scrumptious

Paula Cook from Truly Scrumptious is a 35 years old mum of two, based in Bulkington, who is an FSB Real-Life Entrepreneur! As well as managing the challenges of two young children and a childminding business, Paula has also taken on a new challenge setting up a confectionery business making sweet trees and cupcakes.

Spotting a gap in market and taking the initiative to change a hobby into a business, Paula took the plunge in September 2011 when she decided to invested in stock, set up a website and promote her products via social media. Only a few months in and already Paula is looking at expanding her range into wedding favours, specialised valentines boxes and anything creative involving confectionary; and has ambitions of growing so that she can take on staff and move into business premises.

Paula from Simply Scrumptious said: "I think I'm an excellent example of a FSB real life entrepreneur. Only a short time after having my second child Eve, who has just turned one, I have been determined to make my business a success by working hard and continually coming up with new ideas that expand my range. I'm certainly enjoying what I'm doing and think I've finally found my creative side. Now at the age of 35 I have people admiring my trees and telling me how amazing they look and taste – it's a great feeling."

Hannah Johnson & Emma Hendrie - Personal Fitness

Hannah Johnson and Emma Hendrie are two budding female entrepreneurs who have combined their passion for health and fitness with their drive to succeed, and now run 2 successful independent businesses, as well as a joint venture that they launched in 2011.

Independently, both Hannah and Emma run personal fitness businesses. Emma, who had previously worked for a media post production company, took the plunge to set up her own business over a year ago, and now runs a mobile personal training service visiting clients in their homes. Emma also offers corporate health checks and training for people at their work place; as well as being a fitness instructor running spinning and circuit classes.

Hannah, who previously worked as a gymnastic coach and as a fitness instructor in a gym, wanted to create an new environment for exercise that was private, personal and completely different to corporate gyms, so 2 years ago set up Lean Body Vision. Lean Body Vision is a private personal training studio and therapy room, where Hannah runs one-to-one training sessions, with therapists are on hand to offer treatments. She also runs community group exercise classes including Zumba fitness.

In the summer of 2011, Hannah and Emma spotted an opportunity to offer a ‘one-stop shop' to help people with nutrition and supplement advice, weight loss and fitness, and as a result the Earlsdon Bootcamp was born.

It's extremely uncommon for two female personal trainers to work together. Personal trainers, being self employed are protective of their client base and their "territory". Emma and Hannah came together with a shared goal and rather than seeing each other as competition, decided to embrace each other's knowledge and expertise to create a unique bootcamp with greater emphasis on advice and motivation by combing the power of two businesses. Emma and Hannah put their creativity together to create something unique, and as entrepreneurs rather than shying away from creating connections with other fitness professionals.

James Freakley - Churchill Flooring Ltd

James Freakley, based in Coleshill, started Churchill Flooring Ltd just over a year ago. Already running a successful under floor heating business, James decided to diversify into full floor installation after spotting an opportunity to improve customer service and product offerings in the floor construction sector. Despite the recession and after receiving no support from Banks and the Government, he was determined to take the plunge to start a second business and to make sure it was a success.

In the short time since trading he has managed to grow Churchill Flooring Ltd from a start-up business, to one which now employs 15 people and has a sales target of £2.3m for the coming year.

Sheila Bell - Swann Systems

Sheila Bell started Swann Systems in 2002, a bookkeeping company that also offers training, support and consultancy on a variety of accuntancy software packages. Swann Systems currently services over 150 clients across Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.   Originally a qualified nurse, in 1993 Sheila join her then husband to run a successful IT Services Company. After 9 years Shelia made the decision to go it alone and in 2002 Swann Systems was formed. Shelia has been running these successful businesses while also being a mum to two sons – Kallum and Tristan.   At a time when businesses are failing, Swann is recruiting and growing. Shelia said: "There's no secret - we seek out strategic partnerships, build long term relationships with our clients, and look after our staff. All of those relationships are based on openness, honesty and shared values – they truly are mutually beneficial. The majority of our strategic partners are also proactive FSB members therefore we are all working towards the same goals in supporting our clients." She added: "The term ‘entrepreneur' nowadays seems to be associated with Alan Sugar, and aggressive selling! We stick to our version of entrepreneurial spirit; identifying new ways to work with what we have, and who we know to create success for all. We continuously try out new ways of doing things, taking action is the major difference between progress and stagnation, and we measure the results so we know if it's working well. It's a straightforward concept, but it works!"   Sheila from Swann Systems is an active member of the Federation of Small Businesses in Rugby. From attending the regular networking events, Sheila is keen to point out: "The FSB has really become an integral part of our business since 2004 – it offers professional support and advice on legal policy and employment matters, and the networking events provide a regular source of business, contacts and learning. But more than that, running a business can sometimes be a lonely role, and the FSB is a great way to stay in contact with other business owners who are facing and overcoming similar challenges to me. There's a real sense of comradeship and friendship which is so reassuring."