What our clients think
Discover how Start and Grow Enterprise has helped businesses just like yours to get off the ground, achieve their goals, and become more successful...
Austin Perry, Founder, Studio Sew.n
Studio Sewn.n Ltd is a product development and manufacturing facility based in Gloucester. We specialise in jersey and stretch fabrics and appeal to young, entrepreneurial business owners that are looking for UK made products.
Before I joined Start and Grow Enterprise, our biggest obstacles were marketing and getting clarity on our business’s offer. The knowledge I gained in Start and Grow’s courses really built my confidence and helped me to target my marketing efforts, which freed up my time for other areas of running the business.
I was successful with my £1,000 Enterprise Voucher application which helped my business enormously – I was able to purchase equipment that allowed for more customisation for bespoke orders. Since joining Start and Grow, my turnover has increased and I’ve employed a freelancer to help me. I’ve also been able to take some time off!
Austin Perry, Founder, Studio Sew.n
Henry Phillips, Founder, E-REV Scooters
I came to Start and Grow Enterprise with a prototype electric scooter design. When I signed up for the programme I felt such a relief. I had support and guidance and felt like I was no longer working on my business alone.
With help from Start and Grow Enterprise, I registered as a Limited Company and have set up a website that is successfully trading. I received help with creating a business plan, marketing on social media, identifying my target audience, pitching for business, and more. Start and Grow Enterprise has helped me to put together a plan of action to help me move forward, and meet new contacts through their networking events.
There is so much to take away from the courses. Being a new business owner with a lack of experience can be daunting without advice from someone you can trust. But having Start and Grow Enterprise there for support is priceless, I’ve learnt so much to help my business grow.
Henry Phillips, Founder, E-REV Scooters
Elliott Staton, Founder, Parallel Precision
“The courses were focussed on increasing my knowledge and resources in areas such as marketing, business planning and time management. Building upon these skillsets has been absolutely fundamental in my transition from an employee to a business owner. Start and Grow Enterprise has brought clarity to my vision for the business and taught me how to think strategically when making important and difficult decisions. The advice we received helped us solve our supply chain issues which has streamlined operations and given our customers confidence in our ability to deliver as promised.
One of the most difficult parts of being a new business owner for the first time is lack of experience in running a business and underestimating the skillset that’s required. That is where Start and Grow Enterprise do a fantastic job, they help you to identify the next necessary step in achieving your goals.”
Elliott Staton, Founder, Parallel Precision
Richard Hine, Founder, British Polo Gin
“I have found the Start and Grow Enterprise experience immensely helpful. Running a SME can at times be a lonely place; as such being able to identify, explore and solve everyday problems with other SMEs has also been really stimulating and invigorating.
It has also been really helpful to be able to access totally objective advice from market leaders and industry experts; who have all addressed every question/query, however small or seemingly mundane, with total vigour.
The Start and Grow Enterprise programme, and more widely, The Growth Hub really does have a plethora of information and support to offer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team for all of their support to date and to urge anyone looking for business support to reach out to and to enrol in the Start and Grow Enterprise programme – you will certainly leave the programme feeling enriched and rejuvenated!”
Richard Hine, Founder, British Polo Gin
Pandora Taylor, Founder, Happy by Design
“The support I received proved to be a fantastic opportunity to reflect on my strategy and business plan, with expert speakers on Business Strategy, HR, Finance, Law, Sales and Marketing to support me.
The class sizes were small with a real focus on each individual business and we received support from experts on a number of issues. It was also really beneficial to meet fellow entrepreneurs looking to move their business on to the next step.
Taking time out to reflect on your business is invaluable, and this was a fantastic opportunity – to see your business, not just for what it is now, but for what it could become with minor adjustments. It is easy to become distracted by the day to day tasks, but this course, along with the grant, allowed Happy by Design to pursue much bigger dreams.”
Pandora, Founder, Happy By Design
