Case studies - business support
Company: V and V creations
Owner: Vanessa Henry
Owning a catering company is a dream shared by many budding entrepreneurs and Vanessa Henry is no different. For this reason it is even more important to get a head start when embarking into a crowded market sector. This is where GLE oneLondon can help.
Having gained vital experience through working in the catering industry for over 15 years, Vanessa felt ready to strike out on her own and explore the opportunity of setting up her own business. She had a great idea and was equipped with industry knowledge, but had yet to formulate a business plan or market strategy to turn her idea into a business.
At this stage she heard of a programme run by GLE oneLondon called “Test Trading” which offers people a small loan to carry out some initial market research to test the market they are hoping in which to work. Vanessa used the loan to further explore her plans for a catering company and it gave her the confidence boost she needed.
With the help of a GLE oneLondon business adviser, “V and V creations” came into existence in April 2006 offering bespoke cakes, catering, balloons and venue decorating services for events. The business adviser offered practical advice, helped to develop a business plan and offered assistance in the registration and legal status of the company. Vanessa says, “Without GLEoneLondon I never could dream to be an entrepreneur. Now I can.”
But GLE oneLondon’s help will not end there. Like many people setting up in business, renting premises can be a barrier to business development. Vanessa is currently trading from her own home but she hopes that with further advice and perhaps a loan from GLE oneLondon’s “London Business Loan Fund”, London’s largest lender of last resort, she will be able to rent a shop or restaurant from which to operate.
For more information about V and V creations please email: vandvcreations@aol.com
For more information about GLE oneLondon services, please visit: www.one-london.com