The SundayGirl Company is a creative, award winning British design brand which manufactures beautifully printed retro aprons and accessories.
In 2016, Gaena Martin, founder of the company, started working with Worcestershire Business Central (WBC) to discuss a strategy for growth. The company has worked hard to build up a relationship with their textiles mill in Pakistan where their aprons are manufactured from a raw cotton state. It was established that for the company to grow, they need to produce a higher volume of products, whilst keeping their hand-drawn designs fresh and current. Consequently, the company are hoping to purchase a digital fabric printer to enable them to print their own samples. This would enable them to perfect the designs before production and be more cost and time effective. The company are also looking to move to a warehouse with adjoining offices in the county as they look to increase their work with distributors.
Randesh Kalar, Business Engagement Manager at Worcestershire Business Central, met with Gaena to discuss the business’ current position and plans for growth. This included advising Gaena on financial opportunities available, including upcoming funding opportunities through the Business Accelerator programme. The programme will support 200 businesses to achieve sustainable growth; through consultancy support, workshops and business development grants.
“There really is some excellent support within the county for new start up businesses and for companies looking to grow.”
Randesh promised to do some research into available premises in Worcestershire, using Worcestershire Business Central’s database and contacts. She also enquired about whether the company would consider taking on an apprentice to bring additional resource, skills and experience, and agreed to contact Worcestershire Apprenticeships on the company’s behalf to discuss options. As the company is looking to expand its reach internationally, Randesh informed Gaena about a planned Department for International Trade mission to India. She consequently forwarded The SundayGirl Company’s expression of interest in the mission to Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.
To further assist the company, Worcestershire Business Central recommended that they become a member of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Through membership, the company would benefit from networking opportunities, comprehensive legal advice, and bank beating foreign exchange rates through moneycorp, as well as 50% off export documentation and discounted translation and training services.
Gaena said: “There really is some excellent support within the county for new start up businesses and for companies looking to grow. The advice and assistance we’ve had from both Worcestershire Business Central and the Department for International Trade has been invaluable and it gives micro businesses such as ours the confidence to grow.”
www.thesundaygirlcompany.co.uk
To find out how Worcestershire Business Central can help support your business, contact our team today on 01905 677 888 or email info@worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk