Defining Moment

I was one of the first girls in my year to do accounts and business studies, supported by a fantastic teacher. I knew science subjects and maths were definitely not for me, but I really loved to learn about business. I started my early selling days on a… read more

Defining Moment

The building I operated the business from had a retail shop front, and it also had offices above it. Once I got it all started and got going, everyone was coming up to me and saying, “Can I rent an office from you?” I used to say “Yes of course, come on… read more

Defining Moment

The cash was a real temptation and the buzz of the deal was a great high, so much so I went and bought a vintage Mercedes and paid cash for it along with other designer objects and toys, including a mobile phone the size of a computer keyboard! Within… read more

Lifestyle Story

I’m still not sure I see myself as successful- it’s like happiness, how to you define it? I think if I am successful, it’s only because I’ve found a balance and I still have the enthusiasm to grow my business.… read more

Secret

With a great team we can not only continue to grow our own business, we can support and nurture new businesses that rent space from us. There is a saying “If passion be the driver, let reason be the reins.” And my team help me rein in my passion.… read more

How I...

When you’re on a downward spiral it’s amazing how many people try to take control. So I was more determined to get back on track. I called in a few favours to get the show back on the road and managed to secure a small warehouse in Gateshead which… read more

Pearl Of Wisdom

I didn’t really see myself being different to anyone else; all I knew was that I wanted to take control of my life. That’s why I think, if I can do it, anybody can do it. It is fantastic to have your own business, it is a great challenge, and you’re… read more

Pearl Of Wisdom

If you’ve really got the passion and the determination to set up your own business, then grab hold of that self belief and just do it. It does sound a bit cliché when it comes out, but I do read self help books and: It’s not what you do in life that you… read more

Pearl Of Wisdom

There’s no better thing than to take control of your life and not have other people control you. You should never be afraid of doing that. Just make sure you have a fantastic sense of humour- an entrepreneur can’t take life too seriously!… read more

Challenge

We’re in the process of acquiring a development opportunity behind our current premises, that’s our next phase. However, patience is a virtue and I’m not very virtuous. I have the drive, enthusiasm and energy to really work hard at this site as I believe… read more

Success

I’d really enjoyed the atmosphere and the camaraderie that all the businesses had in that first building of being able to work together and everyone set up their business without great pressure from the tenant act. To have that camaraderie with people… read more

Success

When I was in my 20’s I did have a massive learning curve and that knowledge has never allowed complacency in anything to set in since. I’ve really knuckled down in the last five years and have been able to turn adversity into opportunity. When the old… read more

Support Story

I take my inspiration from other entrepreneurs especially some of the founder members of the Entrepreneurs Forum. We all have days where we question our ability but attending the forum events helps me overcome those negative thoughts when I realise that… read more