"Since winning the 2009 IWCYC Challenge..." by Louise Bell, Healthy Glow

"Since winning the Ifwecanyoucan Challenge the business has moved forward more than I could have imagined.

Looking back I didn’t really understand most of the questions people asked me when they were writing articles about me for the press. I was really pretty naïve and probably didn’t know much about running a business even though I was convinced I had something worth pushing and the determination to get Healthy Glow going, whatever it took.

How times have changed. And I’ve learnt so much in such a short space of time.

Winning the Challenge has been fantastic. I seem to have done lots of things right, I’ve done lots of things that I didn’t realise I knew how to do and I’ve met lots of people who have pointed me in the right direction and offered support when I needed it (I’ve met a few who I wasn’t too keen on but you’ve got to expect that – you’re never going to click with everyone).

We’ve got the set up in Tees Valley spot on. I’ve got two Healthy Glow franchisees in place – in Darlington and Stokesley – and we work really effectively as a team so we never let a customer down. Both of the girls do 60 spray tans a month (about half an hour per tan) and two thirds of the business is down to repeat customers which is perfect.

The next step was working out how to grow from there – and I’ve got the guys at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum to thank for an introduction to Graham Mylchreest from Be Franchising. It turns out they were looking for an opportunity that they could open up for women in the County Durham area to buy into as part of the LEGI programme – helping them to get back into work. So all of a sudden I’d got a partnership and my first master franchise licence was in place. Tada!

I’d also been doing a lot of work with my Google adwords which seemed to be working well (I rank number one for spray tanning) and one day I got an enquiry through from a woman with a marketing background who was looking to get back to work after having children. What I didn’t realise was that she’s from Germany – I didn’t even know that the adwords were international!

So I went about getting a ‘Passport to Export’ through UKTI so that I could get as much information as possible on the German market – do my homework! Germany is way behind us in terms of their attitude to sunbeds but things are changing so it’s the perfect time to get into the market.

I’ve teamed up with Claire Mitchell who’s a brilliant marketeer – who I met through ifwecanyoucan (she was a finalist in the Northern Echo area) – and we went out to Germany together to meet with Christina and we’ve started discussions about a master licence for her part of Germany.

The Germany trip was a valuable learning experience, I have decided to concentrate on the UK for the time being as I think the control of another country would stretch me too far at this stage. We need to expand in the UK first and that is where hopefully an Entrust programme called Coaching for High Growth will help, with guidance from people who have done it before.

It was great to spend time with Claire and we were able to get our heads together in how we are going to market Healthy Glow in the UK. Quite scary that we both had to go to another country to get time to talk to each other without interruption, but fab anyway!

I’ve been signposted to all sorts of people – and they keep telling me that I’m doing everything right and they can’t add anything. And eventually I was signposted to the very person I needed to speak to apparently – and the Forum had already put me in touch a few months earlier!

I’m in the process of getting my product IP sorted (I know what that means now!) – and I’ve got the supply sorted. In fact, I set the girls targets and it means I can pre-order because I know exactly how much I need. It’s a big relief because I went through a very dodgy period when I wasn’t sure I could get the stock I needed when I needed it.

I guess the next step is rolling it out! Which is so exciting and has come much quicker than I could ever have imagined.

I’d like to think I’d have got to this point eventually but winning the Challenge and the support I’ve had along the way has certainly got me there quicker and it’s given me so much confidence to trust my instinct, get on with it and not let any hurdle stand in my way.

I know there are lots more opportunities and lots of challenges to come but the ‘tada’ moments keep coming – and long may it continue."

The 2010 Challenge is now underway - you can now enter online at www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge until the deadline of May 3rd

Offer from Clare Fenwick, Kudos Koaching

Offer from IWCYC member Clare Fenwick, Kudos Koaching:

"Would You Like A Day of Relaxation, Pampering and Learning How to Dress, Plan & Take Action for Success ??

It is my own personal belief that the best investment ever made in time, money and energy is in YOURSELF! But I find that most women put themselves right down the list when it comes to priorities. Work, kids, husbands, parents, partners, friends, siblings all compete for our time and energy. It's hard to balance all of these roles. So, after attending to all of these there's not much (if any) time left for ourselves.

Wouldn't you just love to get off the treadmill? Just for one day? To take a step back and think of nothing but YOU? And in that day of relaxing and being pampered and learning how to 'dress for success', come away with a vision of your life and work that truly inspires and fills you with passion?

I'm inviting you along to Broom Mill Day Spa. Set in tranquil surroundings in the heart of the Durham countryside. I fell in love with this place the first time I set foot in it! As well as the warm and friendly reception, you are left to enjoy all the spa has to offer in your own time and the treatments are truly amazing. I'll leave you to check it out at http://www.broommilldayspa.co.uk/

A day at the spa, with a delicious home-cooked 3 course lunch is heaven on its own. But I wanted to make this day an unforgettable experience that would always have an impact in your life. So, I'm also offering you the chance to experience a holistic make-over! On the day, you will have an individual session with an amazing Image Consultant, learn how to build a capsule wardrobe, develop a career and life vision that is truly extraordinary and what you deserve, pick up a few make-up tips, get some pampering and, of course, lots of opportunities to chill out and relax in the sauna, hot tub or go for a dip in the pool!

This is really about peeling back your layers (real and imagined), understanding what is important to you and what you want and, more importantly, why you want it. It will be a journey of reflection and self-discovery set in stunning, nurturing surroundings. Of course, it's not for everyone. But it is for YOU!

Details of This Exciting and Unique Event

Date: Sunday 18th April 2010.

Time: 9.30 am - 6.00 pm

Venue: Broom Mill Day Spa
Price: Usually £295, but £250 for anyone brave enough to book before the end of March!

USEFUL INFORMATION

This Spa Day may be eligible for 100% funding!! Please contact Michelle Gudgeon on 07801 372591 or email Michelle at michelle@kudoskoaching.com for further details.

What more could you wish for - a lifechanging, invigorating experience set in tranquil surroundings - this could all be for FREE !!

Book your place now to avoid disappointment ........"

An invitation from Jonathan Munroe

Neuva is to hold two exclusive seminars on ‘Giving Feedback’ – If we can, you can member Jonathan Munro who runs Neuva is to deliver an hour long seminar on giving feedback which will benefit all employers and managers who’s role involves giving feedback.

The exclusive free seminar ‘Giving Feedback’ is to be held in two fantastic locations allowing you to pick the best option for you.

At 4pm on Thursday 22nd April the ‘Giving Feedback’ seminar will be held at the luxury 5-star Rockliffe Hall. This recently opened luxury hotel, golf and spa development is located on the banks of the River Tees in the picturesque village of Hurworth near Darlington.

Then at 2pm on Friday 30th April the ‘Giving Feedback’ seminar will be held at the luxurious Malmaison hotel in Newcastle. A stunning hotel located on the Quayside it is ideally placed to enjoy a Friday afternoon in Newcastle.

To book your place at one of the seminars simply e-mail info@neuva.co.uk stating your name, company and which venue you’d like to attend.

To keep updated on Neuva visit http://www.neuva.co.uk/

John launches 'The Rum Club'

If we can, you can member John Collingwood is proud to announce the launch of The Rum Club, which will combine lots of cocktails flowing, great speakers to inspire you and lovely folk to talk to. Here, he lets us in on the details:

"The Newcastle Rum Club is held each and every Tuesday evening in the spiffing Polynesian surroundings of Tikio, at Tokyo, 17 Westgate Road set up in order to gather together like-minded Rum addicts in order to sample flavours and distinctions of Rums from across the world.

The idea is quite simply to open your eyes and tastebuds to thirty six of the most distinguished and distinctive rums that money can buy, letting you try brands you’ve never heard of or tasted before.

Once you’ve been expertly guided through all thirty six of our house rums on our exclusive and unique menu, you’ll be automatically upgraded to the high status of Tiki God, thus gaining access to rare & limited edition rums.

For a one-off fee of £10 you can become a purveyor and connoisseur of the finest rums money can buy, guided by our expert bartenders and placed into your individual choice of cocktail, be it Mojito, Mai Tai or Daiquiri, as well as gain access to monthly private members-only special events where much rum shall be consumed.

First up on the launch night The Rum Club will have the pleasure of welcoming the Tiki legend, Papa Jules of Mahiki Rum. He will be shaking up some amazing cocktails for you all to try."

Rum Club Rules

1. Pay an initial and opening fee of £10 to register and receive your members card from behind the bar.

2. The members list holds thirty six rums on file, known as our house rums.

3. Every rum which is bought and sampled gets crossed off your card, four rums count per visit, served and charged at 50ml measures.

4. On completion of your membership card, you will be upgraded to Full Member status which opens the locked door to secret Members Rums which are rare, limited edition or fantastically expensive, yet charged at a discounted rate.

5. Only Full Members can drink OR donate members rums.

6. Full Members will be publicly acknowledged within Tikio

For more details visit http://www.wanttoimpress.com/events/2010/mar/23/rum-club-presents-papa-jules-mahiki-rum.html

Ben Triumphs in Global Start-up Challenge

If we can, you can member Ben Creighton of Queensberry 12 recently took part in the Global Start-up Challenge, the brainchild of Alibaba.com, the world's largest online business to business trade platform connecting buyes and suppliers nationwide.

Ben reached the finals of the competition and competed with six other entrepreneurs to win £10,000 by public vote, having been given an initial £1000 to launch their start up business.

Ben's company Queensberry 12 is a contemporary boxing brand featuring the world's only panoramic, digitally printed punch bags. The range divides into three unique collections: Martial Artworks featuring stunning canvas-inspired punch bags printed with vibrant wraparound photographic art, Butcher's Bag featuring an exclusive Design Right Registered 'Rocky'-inspired punch bag designed to look like a real carcass of meat, and Exercise Your Demons featuring a unique, shocking, quirky or kitsch punch bags to help you 'beat' your fears, phobias and cravings.

Here, Ben recounts his experience of the Global Start Up Challenge:

"To say that the last 6 months have been a rollercoaster would be something of an understatement! Queensberry 12 was launched in November at the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week where we sold our first bag to Lord Mervyn Davies CBE, Minister for Trade and Investment and where Peter Jones first wore our gloves. Then a whirlwind of press coverage, interviews and radio appearances followed and, finally, it was time to find out who had won the £10,000 grant.

After months of hard work, we're proud to announce that Queensberry 12 was crowned the winner of the Global Start-up Challenge on the 8th February during an exclusive lunch with the 7 finalists and Peter Jones, star of Dragon's Den.

It's been an amazing experience and we couldn't have done it without your help, so thankyou to all who voted!"

Videos of Ben's experience in the Challenge can be found at www.ifwecanyoucan.tv/members/member_channels/ben_creighton

Check out the Queensberry 12 collection at www.queensberry12.com/

‘IF WE CAN, YOU CAN’ Challenge launches for 2010

Today marks the launch of the third ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge, a region-wide competition set to re-ignite and celebrate North East England’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The Challenge calls upon any individual who is thinking of starting a business, running their own business or looking to grow their existing enterprise to enter the Challenge and log on to tell their story - adding to a growing online community of entrepreneurs, each at different stages of their journey.

The campaign is built on the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s well established principles of peer-to-peer support, where personal stories and guidance from experienced current business owners help nurture budding and existing entrepreneurs.

Over the last three years, the campaign has generated a growing online community of enterprising people who provide each other with support and make the most of the creativity and talent in the North East’s business community. This generates a win-win situation for everyone involved, not just helping new start-ups but also helping to highlight some of this country’s most successful entrepreneurs and their critical role in the economy.

The Challenge for the previous two years have been hugely successful, not just in terms of the number of entrants but in celebrating their passion and overwhelming drive to succeed. The response has highlighted the thriving entrepreneurial drive in the region and epitomises the ‘If we can, you can’ attitude. In spite of the current climate, there are plenty of opportunities and the ‘can do’ entrepreneurial spirit shown by previous entrants is a shining example of this.

This year is expected to be no exception with everyone who enters benefitting from being part of a growing online community of like-minded entrepreneurs at http://www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/. Members are able to share their unique business insights and inspirational stories as well as using mentoring, business matchmaking and ‘pick our brains’ tools. To date, the growing online community stands at over 650 entrepreneurs and 100 mentors who are on-hand to share a unique insight with those looking for guidance.

Carole Beverley, Chief Executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum said:

“Being part of this community is empowering and inspirational. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has established a fertile and nurturing environment where the sharing of experience is encouraged at all levels and the online community of If we can, you can highlights our belief that everyone in business has something to offer. The people within this community are becoming ever more ambassadorial when it comes to entrepreneurship in the North East – by shouting from the rooftops ‘If we can, you can’.

“The ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge is about celebrating and encouraging people with the vision, passion and determination to make a business work.

This year, more than ever before, entrepreneurship is at the forefront of the region’s economy and presents an exciting, independent career option for those looking to realise their enterprising potential or simply want to take their career in a new direction . Carole continued:

“There is no reason why the economic downturn should affect anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations. Today’s business environment is ripe with opportunity for innovation and instead of dwelling on fears, it's a great time to grab chances that arise. Over the next eight weeks we are encouraging as many people as possible to enter the If we can you can Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity, not only for you and your business or business idea to feature in the local press, but also to become part of a growing community of like-minded entrepreneurs. The next faces of entrepreneurship for 2011 are out there somewhere, so why not give it a go?”

The Challenge leaves no doors closed in searching for the future faces of entrepreneurship. Whether it’s someone wanting to turn a great business idea into reality or someone who has already taken the leap of faith and are making the first steps in running or growing their own business, the ‘If we can, you can’ challenge is open to everyone.

The Challenge whittles down entrants to a short-list of five entrants who will then be offered the chance to meet a ‘Pick Our Brains Opportunity’ panel to discuss business ideas with last year’s finalists and senior Entrepreneurs’ Forum members. Two will then go into the final and be put forward for the public vote, with the winners announced on the 17th June.

Last year’s Challenge saw over 100 seasoned, emerging and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region enter. The competition, aiming to seek out and nurture the region’s inspirational entrepreneurial talent, also struck a chord with the public, with over 3000 votes cast to decide the eight sub-regional winners.

For the first time ever, this year the Challenge has incorporated a special tribute for the ‘Best Entrepreneurial Supporter’. Any entrepreneur that enters the Challenge will be given the chance to acknowledge and show thanks to the person that has given them that vital support throughout their endeavours. That person could be someone close to them; a friend or family member or it could be a business advisor from a support organisation. The winner will be given special recognition and an accolade to show appreciation for their support.

The ‘If we can, you can’ campaign is driven by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and funded by One North East. It aims to actively address the region’s current business shortfall by unlocking the entrepreneurial potential among the general public.

The campaign runs in line with the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) ‘Leading the Way’ which identified the region’s key challenge as growing the value of its economy to 90 percent of the UK’s average. To achieve this, the North East needs between 18,500 – 22,000 new VAT-registered businesses by 2016, while encouraging existing businesses to sustain and grow.

As of today, entrants have until the 3rd of May (midnight) to log on at www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge and put themselves forward. For more information, to tell your story or to find more about the campaign, you can also visit http://www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/


Prize details

The Faces of Entrepreneurship 2011 will spearhead next year’s campaign, appearing in ongoing campaign advertising and publicity. They will also receive:

A ‘money can’t buy’ surgery, giving you wide access to senior Entrepreneurs’ Forum members and other senior entrepreneurs across the region;

A business gadget;

A business services package - worth up to £5,000;

Ongoing advice - qualified support, signposting and guidance on potential sources of finance;

A place at Entrepreneurs’ Forum Annual Conference and Dinner on 20th May worth £270;

One year’s membership of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Richard completes 5000 landmark

Thursday 18 February 2010 was a big day for Prudhoe based Key Skills Music when 10 year old Joseph Torre received the school's 5000th piano lesson. Joseph, from Newcastle, has been a Key Skills pupil since October 2006 & attended over 120 lessons.

"When I gave the very first lesson on 9 September 2003, I never dreamed I would give another 4999," said Principal, Richard Hannam.

"I'm really enjoying learning the piano," said Joseph. "Richard makes it easy & a lot of fun!"

"I am delighted for Joseph as he's been a great pupil for over 3 years. And you should hear him play the James Bond theme! If it hadn't been for a late re-arrangement, the honour would have gone to another student."

"I'm very proud to have reached this 5000 lesson milestone but I would sincerely like to thank all of my loyal pupils, both past & present, for making it possible."

Joseph & stepdad Greg (pictured) received a card & some gifts to celebrate the occasion. All the other pupils also received a thank you card & a gift.