Case studies - business support
Company: Jigsaw Arts
Owners: Nicola Lander
Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk
Nicola had always been deeply passionate about performing arts and a firm believer that through developing performance skills and promoting self expression you can build confidence in all aspects of life. After working for several years as a performing arts teacher for other organisations, she decided it was time to go it alone.
Many obstacles had to be overcome however, such as finding a place to run her office, the schools in which to conduct the lessons and ideas for promotion. With fees paid up front, Nicola found she was able to cover most of her start up costs, although she still needed some initial cash to get things off the ground.
Having been turned down by her bank, Nicola went to Business Link. They put her in touch with her local business adviser who told her about GLE oneLondon business loans. GLE oneLondon’s loans are specifically designed for people like her who had already been turned down by a high street bank but their business adviser feels their business idea would work. So, with the help of her business adviser they developed her business plan ready to present it to the loan panel. The extra effort paid off and Nicola was granted a start up loan.
With this financial backing, she set about contacting local schools and organising to borrow their facilities to run her classes. Jigsaw Arts was soon running several classes teaching dance, drama and singing on Saturdays to local children and young people.
Nearly ten years on and Nicola now has 15 different performing arts schools across London. Jigsaw also run term time weekend performing arts schools in Balham, Bexleyheath, Camden, Ealing, Enfield, Finchley, Hendon, New Malden, Stevenage, Streatham, Waltham Abbey, Wallington, Wanstead and Ware. And holiday activities schemes in Whetstone and Hendon
“Without the support from GLE oneLondon, I would not have been able to set up Jigsaw and I would not be able to help the pupils that I have. We have found that the performing arts arena fully complements the student’s school life. It enhances focus and self confidence enabling students to access their full potential. Many students have reported a new found readiness to take part in school plays and auditions; class presentations and reading aloud are no longer so daunting; and parents inform us that children have shown increased confidence and social integration as a direct result of the course. It is heart warming to see a once shy student find the courage to stand up at the end of term and recite poetry! Some of my pupils have even gone onto work in theatre or television.”
Nicola’s hopes to continue to expand Jigsaw Arts and open another five schools in the near future, although she is wary of losing the personal touch she is currently able to add to the workshops.
“Starting up a business is not easy. You encounter many set backs, rejections and criticisms. It’s important to pick a business idea that you know and believe in. If you have confidence in yourself, don’t let anyone put you off and persevere!”
For more information on Jigsaw Arts visit www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk
For more information on GLE oneLondon business loans visit www.one-london.com