Partner Article

Gem of an idea expands

A handmade jewellery business launched six months ago is already reaching customers across the country and as far afield as Spain.

Dandelions was the 100th enterprise to start-up with assistance from Sunderland City Council’s Just the Job initiative, which brings together support services from across Sunderland to help people set up their own businesses and find employment.

Owner Aimee Jenkinson launched the firm after being made redundant and is now expanding the business from online stores into retail outlets, both in the UK and overseas to meet customer demand.

She first contacted the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) – a member of the Sunderland Enterprise Consortia (SEC) - in Julyto find out what start-up support was available after deciding it was the right time to turn her hobby into a business reality following redundancy.

Three months later and Dandelions was launched. She said: “I’d always been creative and interested in crafts from a young age, so this was the motivation I needed to set up my own jewellery business. After going online to find out what support was available, I came across the BIC and set up a meeting with a business advice.

“I expected a bit of advice, but was surprised at how much support was available and how quickly things happened after my initial meeting. I had a business background which I was able to utilise, however they make things so easy that even people without any experience could consider self-employment as an option.”

Margaret Cook, a business adviser from the BIC, which is funded by Just the Job, has been able to provide support including business planning, sourcing premises, managing cash flow, marketing and access to finance to help get Dandelions off the ground and is now mentoring the business in its expansion. Dandelions supplies a range of handcrafted, limited edition jewellery including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and complete sets for people of all ages and tastes. After initially trading from online stores such as eBay, the business is also making inroads into retail outlets, having agreed a deal with a local beauty salon to showcase some of the product range.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .