Business Startups & Development 

Business Start Up Experience 

From 2020 to 2024, I was involved in several startup businesses, guiding them from inception to sale. These companies catered to both B2C and B2B clients through e-commerce. The experiences, challenges, and knowledge gained from initiating multiple new ventures have equipped me with a wide-ranging and adaptable skill set. This showcases my entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility, leadership, and readiness to undertake calculated risks with potential significant impacts on the business and its employees.

 

Each enterprise presented distinct challenges that necessitated adaptability and the ability to quickly identify skill shortages and bridge them through personal development.

Core Skills Aquired

Entrepreneurial Skills -Vision and Strategic Thinking -  The ability to envision the future of the business and set strategic goals - Risk Management - Understanding and mitigating risks associated with starting and running a business - Innovation - Constantly seeking new ideas and solutions to stay ahead in the market - Business Management Skills - Operational Management -  Overseeing daily operations to ensure efficiency and productivity -Financial Management -Managing finances, including budgeting, accounting, and financial planning - Project Management - Planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they meet objectives and deadlines -Leadership and People Skills -Inspiring and guiding a team towards achieving business goals -Team Building and Management Recruiting, training, and managing a team effectively - Communication - Clear and effective communication with stakeholders, employees, and customers - Marketing and Sales Skills - Market Analysis -  Understanding the market landscape, customer needs, and competition - Sales Strategy - Developing and implementing effective sales strategies to drive revenue - Branding - Building a strong brand and marketing it effectively through various channels - Technical and Digital Skills Technology utilisation - Leveraging technology to improve business operations and customer experience - Digital Marketing - Using digital platforms and tools for marketing, including social media, SEO, and email marketing - Data Analysis - Analysing data to make informed business decisions - Legal and Regulatory Skills. - Compliance -Understanding and complying with relevant laws and regulations - Contract Management Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts with clients, suppliers, and partners - Intellectual Property Management - Protecting the business's intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights - Networking and Relationship Building - Building and maintaining relationships with industry contacts, investors, and mentors - Partnership Development Creating strategic partnerships that can help grow the business - Problem-Solving and Adaptability-Identifying issues and developing solutions quickly and effectively - Adaptability - Being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and new challenges - Customer Focus -  Providing excellent customer service to build loyalty and repeat business - Customer Feedback -Actively seeking and incorporating customer feedback to improve products and services -Time Management and Organisation -Effectively prioritising tasks and managing time to meet deadlines- Keeping business operations and documentation well-organised.

Start Up Case Studies

 

 

Case Study Premier Porcelain

Premier Porcelain / Tile Store Direct

Premier Porcelain began as an online-only business, supplying outdoor paving and landscaping products directly to consumers. Originating with UK-sourced products, the company launched with a straightforward e-commerce site from a modest facility, enabling marketing and sampling efforts. The business experienced significant growth, with a turnover of over £1m within an 18-month span. Premier Porcelain transitioned from domestic suppliers and a singular sales channel to importing around 30 containers annually and operating from four warehouse locations throughout the UK, serving both B2C and B2B clients nationwide.

 

Tile Store Direct was created as an ancillary business with a physical store/showroom model, providing decorative wall and floor solutions available for click-and-collect or home delivery. The Tile Store rapidly broadened its range to include sanitaryware, internal coverings, and accessories. Both companies eventually operated out of two fixed stores, backed by four third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse facilities across the country, and employed a team of four.

 

The initial success of the enterprise is credited to a low-cost business model, strategic outsourcing, in-depth product knowledge, and a marketing approach that enhanced customer understanding and engagement. As the business grew, it faced new challenges in sustaining its upward trajectory, leading to a decision to transfer ownership to ensure continued prosperity.  premierporcelain.co.uk is still operational under new management.

 

This entrepreneurial journey amassed considerable personal and professional experience and skills, necessitating a hands-on approach while acknowledging that selective outsourcing of key business functions could enhance operational efficiency. This venture not only leveraged previously acquired skills but also fostered new competencies.