THE new year may be the push some people need to follow their dreams of becoming self-employed - and those in the Dearne have the chance to gain the support to do so at this year’s Launchpad pop-up business school.
The Launchpad programme, run by Barnsley Council in collaboration with Big Local Thurnscoe, sees expert advisors come together to speak to those with entrepreneurial aspirations.
Previous Launchpad client and winner of the scheme’s young entrepreneur of the year award, Abbie Allert, has praised it for giving her the ‘push’ she needed to start her business Mamma Made It.
Fed up of being unable to find clothing to fit her baby son Oscar off the peg, Abbie used her design knowledge to create a bespoke wardrobe for him.
Attention on her creations quickly grew and Abbie has since sold her designs at national youth markets, and worldwide from her website.
“I never set out to start my own business, but what started off as a solution to a problem I was facing made me realise that I wasn’t alone,” said Abbie, 27, of Rectory Close, Wombwell.
“I’m currently producing between 70 and 100 pairs of leggings each week. As a result of the extra demand I’ve received after taking part in the Launchpad programme, I’ve needed to extend my house to give me more space to work and fulfil the orders which came unexpectedly flooding in.
“The support and guidance I received from my business advisor at Launchpad has been instrumental in giving me the push I needed to launch my own business, as well as providing me with confidence and solid plans for the future of my business, myself and my son.”
Doug Johnson, business advisor at Launchpad, added: “In just under a year, Abbie has achieved a significant amount of national and global success with her business and I was extremely proud to see her named young entrepreneur of the year at our first Launchpad Awards in January.
“I am still working with Abbie to support her with her future plans in wholesale and recruitment.”
Big Local Thurnscoe development worker Alison Vint said: “We know that a lot of people think about starting up their own business in the new year and now really is the perfect time for people in Thurnscoe and the Dearne to turn their ideas into reality.
“Big Local Thurnscoe is keen to support entrepreneurship and bring this expertise right into the heart of our community in what will be the first course of this kind in Thurnscoe.”
Launchpad is the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s key business support programme for new business.
Topics covered at the two-day event include marketing, finance, website creation and social media, and attendees will be able to access ongoing support once they have completed the course.
The Launchpad pop-up school will run at Thurnscoe Library from January 22 to 24, 10am to 4pm.
To learn more or to book a place contact Alison on 07557740330 or email alisonvint@bcbtraining.co.uk.
