Member Article

Success for fledgling dress agency

A successful small business venture is readying to take one big step - with just a few small steps across the road.

The Sophie Rose Dress Agency has just completed a successful 10-month spell in Middlesbrough’s Emporium, the corner unit for start-up businesses in The Cleveland Centre.

The entrepreneur behind the company, Rachel Pybus, named the company after her daughter.

And after taking baby steps in the Emporium, she is now taking her fledgling firm just a short distance to the other side of Grange Road in the town centre where she will be based in the re-fitted former BSM driving school office.

“The magic of places like the Emporium is you are not signing up to a huge commitment so if it’s not working out you haven’t taken too much of a risk,” said Rachel, who hopes to have her new shop up and running within a couple of weeks.

“I was a retail manager for 10 years before I set up on my own even though that was always the plan.

“I’m glad I did it this way because I have learned so much in 10 months and I think I’m definitely at that point where I can take on a longer-term lease.

“The new location is perfect because I have built up a large customer-base among the business people in Middlesbrough town centre so I wanted to stay as close to the Emporium as possible.”

Middlesbrough’s thriving Emporium is continuing to look for new businesses to come in and join its exciting collection of independent retailers.

The pioneering initiative to help fledgling businesses take flight in the town was launched in 2011 and has proved a runaway hit with entrepreneurs and shoppers alike.

The business incubator unit received royal approval at its official opening with a visit from HRH the Prince of Wales, and more recently had a visit from renowned entrepreneur Wayne Hemmingway.

New retailers are continuing to take up space within the Cleveland Centre unit while a number of successful start-ups have spread their wings and moved to new premises elsewhere in the town.

Since its launch, The Emporium has helped 12 new businesses move into vacant premises within the town, including The Sophie Rose Dress Agency.

The Emporium prides itself on offering something a bit different to anywhere else, so we are keen to attract unique business ideas. Anyone who thinks they could be the next big thing, the Emporium can help you make your business dreams become a reality.

If you want to test-trade your business idea in a low-risk environment and receive a business-coaching package to help the business develop, then the Emporium is for you.

Benefits include six months’ rent-free space, business development support and some branding and PR.

For further information on The Emporium, contact Business Development Officer Julie Marsden on 01642 729007 or email julie_marsden@middlesbrough.gov.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .