Partner Article

Manchester entrepreneur makes flying start with new business

A business woman hopes to see her new company really take off thanks to the help of Blue Orchid, one of the UK’s leading business start-up support specialists.

Ann-Marie Taylor from Chorlton-on-Medlock in Manchester, got her business off the ground in October with her idea to provide bespoke shoes for female cabin crew, and is now off to a flying start with Panann Cabin Crew Shoes.

A former cabin crew worker herself, having spent 12 years with major airlines, she recognised there was a need to wear the correct footwear as part of the job. After taking voluntary redundancy, Ann-Marie wanted to try something new and contacted Blue Orchid with her plan to provide footwear for those in a job where walking miles in a day is par for the course. The shoes had to be fit for purpose, stylish and high-quality, matching the professional image that cabin crew are required to portray.

An initial appointment with a Blue Orchid business advisor encouraged Ann-Marie to pursue her idea and she subsequently benefited from more of their expertise in the form of one-to-one appointments and training. As part of this, extensive market research was undertaken and a marketing strategy completed along with a full business plan and financial projections.

Panann Cabin Crew Shoes provides smart, durable footwear made of anti-static and anti-slip materials, specifically designed to benefit female cabin crew. It will initially be a home-based web distribution service with the potential to expand into larger and more diverse outlets.

The shoes are also being marketed as suitable for those in other professions such as hotel workers and office staff and the Panann website and social media pages are now up and running.

Ann-Marie said: “While disposing of my old uniform accessories, I realised how difficult it had been to find the perfect work shoes. I knew nothing about how to progress my idea, but my advisor at Blue Orchid gave me excellent advice and guidance, as well as putting me forward for various workshops, which were incredibly useful. I have been extremely happy with the professionalism of Blue Orchid and the respect, advice and training received which has enabled my business idea to progress.

“It’s early days, however I have made some accessory sales already and at the moment I’m very focused on marketing to make women aware of the website and the service Panann Shoes provides.”

Blue Orchid Business Advisor Stuart Ridgway said: “Working with Ann-Marie has been really rewarding, particularly in terms of seeing her business knowledge grow and her initial idea become reality. I know Ann-Marie has got what it takes to be a real success and I’m confident her new business will reach great heights.”

Other budding entrepreneurs across Greater Manchester can access one to one business advice and support through a new service called Start Up Now, which is delivered by Blue Orchid. The service is centred in local venues with business advisors based in the community to offer a complete package of support to help individuals start up their business.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by PR Agency One .