21 July 2015
A handbag designer hopes a Velocity grant can help propel her business into the big time, having secured a prime time slot on a major shopping channel.
Charlotte Jamme, owner of Milton Keynes based Mia Tui bags, is getting ready for her on-screen debut when her designs feature on satellite giant QVC – opening the doors to a huge new client base.
The breakthrough comes hot on the heels of a Velocity grant, which has enabled Charlotte to upgrade her digital presence and invest in marketing, search engine optimization and social media advertising.
She said: “It’s going to be incredibly exciting to see my bags on the television, it’s been such hard work getting to this point but it’s now starting to pay off.
“I’m extremely grateful for the help I have received from Velocity, none of this would have been possible without them.
“The support I have had from my business adviser Emmanuelle has been invaluable, helping me to focus on the areas on which I needed to work in order to grow.”
Mia Tui was founded in 2010 when mum-of-two Charlotte decided to design her own bags having become frustrated at the lack of suitable products on the market for busy parents.
The company has grown to the point where she has a storage facility in Kiln Farm as well as a converted garage and office at her home in Middleton.
Her bags have become her life but this is no overnight success story. Charlotte has had to contend with a series of challenges along the way but having overcome every obstacle thrown in her way is now ready to push and grow the company.
She said: “It’s a real family firm and it’s all hands on deck. I have my mum helping me out and the kids do a bit as well, we all pitch in fulfilling orders, packing things up and sending them out. It’s busy but I love what I do.”
Having been referred to Velocity by Barclays Bank, Charlotte was able to harness the free business support offered by her adviser Emmanuelle Clément to devise a strategic business plan and secure further help from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS).
She added: “The thing that surprised me the most was how easily it all happened. From the moment I was directed towards Velocity everything started happening very quickly and the various agencies all got on board. It was brilliant.”
Velocity Growth Hub and its qualified and experienced business advisers are available to help businesses in a number of ways, including one-to-one support and free business workshops.
Our advisers are widely connected to national and regional government bodies as well as the private sector, and are able to signpost businesses to sources of grant funding or make personal introductions to individuals or organisations that add value to businesses.
To find out more about how Velocity could help you, call 0300 01234 35, visit www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com or follow us on Twitter @VelocityGrowth.
