Success Stories
Find out how a 3D printing company used the GetSet programme and expert advisor support to help expand their business
The GetSet Adapt team have given us some great advice and pointers to help us develop the business, particularly around finance and cashflow.
GetSet Adapt has been a lifeline to me and has given me something to aim for as I now head into the future.
GetSet Coast to Capital benefitted me both on a personal and a professional level. It put me in a better mindset to grow my business.
The funding provided by GetSet Solent has been instrumental in improving our web presence and search engine optimisation, leading to better chance of conversion of sales.
How busy business mentor and well being coach Lorna Evans is rethinking and rebranding her business with a little help from GetSet Adapt
“It has been really useful to have the support of GetSet Adapt. My one-to-one sessions with Lee have helped me to understand how I can balance my ethical aims with the commercial need”
“Thanks to the Invest4 grant and the support of GetSet for Growth Coast to Capital, we are ready to embark properly on our next adventure as a family!”
“GetSet Solent has been a great support enabling me to get established and meet other businesses in a similar position”
“The workshops run by GetSet Solent are incredibly useful and a great opportunity to receive professional business advice to support your business growth”
Fairbite is a mobile fresh fruit and vegetable business which aims to bring fresh, affordable vegetables to communities and promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle, run by Hielen Tekeste
Freya launched Freya Rose London 12 years ago and has steadily grown the company. She found out about GetSet Solent and their business grant scheme and decided to investigate
After graduating with a BA Hons degree in Commercial Photography for Fashion, Advertising & Editorial, Selina Hall freelanced for a while before recently opening her own photographic studios in Mutley, Plymouth.
Viv Spencer describes herself as a “visual artist – drawing, printmaking, painting – with a studio in Peverell, Plymouth, who is concerned with the challenge of portraying the landscape in a contemporary way.”
Lucy Willoughby, owner of Good Things spoke to us about plans to open her new pop-up shop in The Galleries, Bristol, supported by North & East Bristol Enterprise Support (NEBES)
Based in Southampton, Gabriela hand crochets and knits gorgeous blankets, baskets, pouffes and other crafted homewares. The brand’s motto is “Made with Love”, reflecting her passion for everything crocheted and knitted
I’ve learned all sorts of useful information that new and established businesses can implement. I’ve recommended the GetSet Solent programme to everybody!”
“GetSet Solent is helping us develop our business strategy to increase our resilience and manage our growth more sustainably. They’re also connecting me with further funding opportunities”
While I know lots about business, the GetSet Solent workshops go into great depth. The branding workshop made plans clearer in my mind and enabled me to move forward.
“Those workshops have been great in that I’ve met other local businesspeople and had collaborative conversations”
Zowie & Gareth Rees realise their dream of building their own business, around their shared love of outdoor cooking… with little help from Lockdowns and GetSet grow Devon!
“It’s an exciting phase of the business and GetSet Adapt has helped me to focus on what I need to do to achieve my ambitions which is so valuable”
Liz Linfield has a passion for vintage knitting machines and designing unique clothing. Starting her own business was the opportunity for her to ditch the day job and turn an avocation she enjoyed doing into her occupation.
Brothers Graham and Tony Childs are the mechanics and brains behind the fast-growing GC Bike Repairs, which began life in 2019 operating from Graham’s garage. And, after just a few months they opened their first shop premises in Portsmouth.
Do you have bad habits? Kat Thorne knows all too well the impact of pushing hard to achieve results and not looking after yourself.
Yob & Yag is a distinctive business which holds great personal meaning for Craig Maxwell, who spent many years as a graphic designer working in creative design agencies in London.
Helen Richards worked in challenging environments, having spent her early career in the Royal Navy and then Hampshire Constabulary.
The GetSet team were really helpful. Their workshops gave us an overview of the funding and investment sector and helped us to decide which route was right for our needs as a company
“GetSet Adapt has helped me to focus on where he wanted to be in terms of the business and I have been busy, already achieving many of the planned targets for the next two years”
Sue Weeks, who goes under the stage name Suzanne Stewart, is a Bristol based author and lyricist who has worked in performance poetry, short plays and songs for local festivals
Three things prompted Carly Cannings to set up her new business, The Happy Business School, in January 2022. The first was the realisation that having climbed the corporate ladder in her legal career, she was left unexpectedly dissatisfied
Having studied graphic design at university, Michael Hawkins co-founded a design agency which he ran successfully for ten years. A passion for food gradually became more of an obsession as he taught himself to cure and smoke foods which then progressed into pasta making during the national lockdowns
Caron Howe has a passion for baking and knowing customer tastes and trends. Caron’s business story started by making and selling delicious cakes from her tea shop in Chichester.
After 6 years working for a furniture manufacturing company, and a further 6 years for a busy upholstery business, it was during COVID that Lesley decided she wanted to be her own boss.
Guided walking tours needed a shakeup. And it was Jack Wells of Mystery Guides who did exactly that.
With a talent for making pizzas, Greg’s business story started 10 years ago when he began selling his delicious woodfired pizzas from his van.
“The GetSet for Growth team helped me to develop my business plan and prepare the financial documents I needed to make my business work.”
Nigel Smith is the Director and Animator at the non-profit CIC, Stop Mo Studios. From their studio in Eastville, Bristol, Stop Mo Studios create craft stop motion films about a variety of topics like health and sustainability, using traditional methods in a very creative way
“Even though I thought I knew how to complete a grant application, the support the Programme Director gave was very worthwhile.”
Bump & Glide was created following the realisation that there is so much information on how to care for babies, but nowhere near enough on how to support women at such a life, and career-changing time in their lives.
The Improv Theatre is the UK’s first full-time dedicated improv theatre company. With a team of 14, the theatre operates in a four-story building in Clifton, Bristol, where they put on regular shows, as well as teach Improv classes, workshops and function as a venue hire
Having worked in retail for most of her career, Lucy Reynolds made a decision to set up her own wine business in Southsea.
Barbara Evripidou is a freelance photographer and owner of First Avenue Photography, with over 30 years of experience in corporate and PR photography
The Covid pandemic meant a long stint of remote working for Naomi Wisbey and an opportunity to learn how to make some seriously good bread
Plymouth based co- founders Jason Skelton and Elise Wilkes Brand both had backgrounds in the architectural profession and a real desire to help their local community
An illustrator and artist by trade, Beth sells plantable greeting cards on seed paper via Etsy and wholesale through local gift shops
Based in Plymouth, The Diversity Business Incubator CIC is a business hub for minority ethnicity entrepreneurs. It has a vision to lead innovation in start-ups and entrepreneurship for the BAME community in the city and more widely across Devon
Ben East is the founder and sole director of Earthwise Construction, a sustainable construction and ventilation company based in Bristol
We recently caught up with Sue Newman of Portsmouth based business Boogie mites to find out how GetSet Solent helped support their business growth, their progression and what the future goal holds for their franchise business.
“The GetSet team were very supportive throughout the whole process particularly in helping them to complete the grant application form and time with an advisor.”
The Famous Company – a Bristol based business helping unsigned global music artists, is broadening its services thanks support from North and East Bristol Enterprise Support (NEBES) and grant funding from the West of England Combined Authority
Rosie Reiter is a Bristol based artist who has started her own business creating vibrant nature themed art, prints, greeting cards and bespoke murals
Elly Harvey Silver was helped by Outset Dorset to increase her social media skills to reach more customers online.
“During the Outset programme the opportunities I had to practice presenting and pitching the business and develop my brand values have really benefitted me in promoting the business now.”
This will give us more sophistication in the service we provide and enable us to grow more effectively – thanks to the Invest4 grant
Gayleen Hodson loved to write, but it was the support from Outset Dorset that gave her the courage to pursue it as a full-time career.
Nina Squire reached out to Get Set for Growth East Dorset for help and advice to develop new skillsduring the pandemic
Julie Sheppard received support from GetSet for Growth Dorset to help her to find clarity and see her business from a fresh perspective
Having recently returned to the UK from Australia Justin Moyle wanted to set up a coffee shop with a twist
“The GetSet team have given me a great grounding in the area and helped me meet people in the business community through their workshops and events.”
A career as Development Director, fundraising in education settings and supporting expectant and new mothers plus her experience as the parent of two young energetic girls, was the inspiration for Sofee – an innovative new play sofa which offers “creative play made simple.”
“Even though the course was all online, I really liked the idea of the programme being targeted to my local area, as I knew it would be a good place to start building up local contacts and networks.”
KC Concepts Pop Up Shop – the first to be black owned, launches at The Galleries shopping mall in Bristol thanks to support from NEBES.
“COVID-19 brought us together and now we are launching our new business to help charities around the world.”
Nom Wholefoods is a plastic free wholefoods delivery service, which delivers throughout East Bristol and parts of South Gloucestershire
“GetSet for Growth helped us explore lots of different models for doing that and really think about what works for us.”
“The grant meant that we could differentiate ourselves in a very crowded market of agencies, whilst giving us the confidence to commit to match-funding to further invest in the business.”
“The Outset team was so supportive, I always felt I could make a quick call to one of the business advisors and get help with any issue I came across.”
“The support, advice and knowledge which we have received from the Outset team has played an integral role in helping us open successfully.”
Kendia Consulting is a purpose driven career consultancy operating across Bristol and the Southwest. Kendia Christodoulou, the founder, offers support writing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation
Airway Medical Ltd are a start-up based in the Engine Shed near Temple Meads who produce novel Suction Therapy equipment for clearing blocked airways in emergency and chronic conditions.
Rundeavour.com, an online gift store for fitness enthusiasts, was set up by Stephen Taggart to sell clothing, drinkware and accessories.
Claudia Kennaugh set up Art and People to help collectors find artwork and to support artists after working in the music industry.
“GetSet Coast to Capital helped us with tweaks to the cash flow forecasts and other financial documents which ultimately helped us to be awarded the funding”
Giulia Danielis is a self-professed dog lover and is “passionate about helping people understand, communicate, train and thrive with their dogs.’’ Today she runs My Kinda Dog, a premium dog training and people coaching business
“GetSet provided us with tools to help us review our business including our marketing activity which was really useful,”
“Without the support and guidance from SBES, I wouldn’t have achieved as much as I have and I’m really grateful to them for that.”
“The GetSet team helped me to really develop my business and to create a strong foundation on which I can build – it was brilliant!”
“GetSet For Growth helped to provide clarity to my ideas and put the structure in place to make the plans happen.”
“I knew that a comprehensive business course like Outset’s would close the gaps in my knowledge, so I signed up, and I’m very glad I did.”
“The expertise of the Outset team has been great at helping me to narrow down my focus into realistic and actionable steps.”
“Outset Cornwall has really helped make this project a reality. I attempted college and university in the past and didn’t get too far, but Outset was far more realistic and practical for what I required.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the Outset Programme. The workshops have been absolutely amazing, they have given me confidence and made me focus on how I plan for my business.”
“Outset has been really motivational; each session gets me so excited about my business and makes me feel like I’m really onto something.”
“I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit so it was inevitable that I would run my own business,” Find out Marjorie’s story
“The workshop helped me in terms of understanding the basic principles of sales and marketing time and who my customers are.” Read about Martin Frimet’s journey here
“I would definitely recommend Outset Cornwall; it’s a free resource packed full of information and ideas”.
“Attending Outset’s start-up course was great, as it gave me focus and showed me the way to move forward.”
Cynthia and Maxime Bell, of Pointe Perfection, identified a gap in the local market for a dance shop supplying pointe shoes
Louise Joachim, of Wendy House Flowers, offers event planning, hire services, floral arrangements and landscape design and maintenance
James and Ed of The Visual Drop specialise in producing art and design works in the form of large scale murals and signage
Bonny Prim, a Health & Wellbeing Coach, provides a service to people who wish to improve their health
“Just go for it – there will never be the perfect time” – Read about Siobhan Mears’ journey in creating her business, Vantage VA, after a 15-year successful career as an Executive Assistant.
“The Outset team were so friendly and approachable, and they helped to build my self-confidence and keep me focused when it was needed.”
Aleksandra Sasha Horwood, tells us how she set up Happy Stance Yoga Therapy, after being made redundant.
Tracey Louis Fernand, founder of Mothering the Mother, explains how a couple of chance encounters on a train led her to start her own business.
We spoke to Tom Skinner, co-founder of Barnaby Cecil Financial Planning Ltd to find out how a change in legislation prompted him to set up a company tailoring their services to the individual needs of their clients.
Cycle Spirit is a new concept in the cycling world as it focuses on the City & Commuter cyclist being based in Waltham Forest – find out more
In this case study we explore how Outset helped an entrepreneur, Ash Dey, go from nearing burn-out in a demanding technology consultancy role to starting-up his own business providing workplace wellbeing services for a variety of businesses across the UK.
The British Corner Shop are passionate about promoting the heritage and quality of British brands, both large and small, and believe these brands should be available to anyone with a love for all things British, wherever they are in the world.
“I can’t speak highly enough of GetSet. Having someone else looking at your business who is not close to you, is fantastic”
“Outset is the perfect place for people who want to start their own business. They have helped me every step of the way.”
“Outset has always been very supportive. I feel I can always contact them for friendly and reliable advice”
“Attending Outset’s start-up course was great, as it gave me focus and showed me the way to move forward.”
“It’s a great resource, a blessing that it is funded with mentoring support where needed. There is a real energy with GetSet and wonderful to be able to absorb it”
“Outset offer an outstanding array of business workshops in an informal, friendly and empowering environment.”
“The GetSet team helped me focus my marketing ideas and reassure me on some of our financial processes”
“Outset is brilliant. Every member of the team is like one big support network. Outset gave us the confidence to start our own business.”
“I was blown away by the level of support on offer. Starting your own business is an exciting and unknown adventure. Just go for it!”
“Outset’s team of expert business advisors are excellent. Their tailored advice and support has been extremely useful.”
“I think the best thing about running your own business is realising your own potential, when ‘I can do this’ becomes ‘I am doing it’.”
“Being able to take a step back and put things in perspective gives you the opportunity to re-evaluate your life.”
“My best decision by far was to contact Outset. They have helped me with business advice, from accounting to website design.”
“I would definitely recommend other people to go along to GetSet. Without help from GetSet, I would have struggled more with the confidence to carry on and survive”
With GetSet’s help, Erin created an online community for Mums in business, to help them feel supported on their entrepreneurial journey