New Designer in Town

Karen Haughton

It usually takes a while before you can say that a business is successful. Karen Haughton's Gee Cee's Costume Design is an exception.

Within a few months of being made redundant, and by the start of the 2003 summer, she had researched and developed a detailed business plan and started trading from home. The business grew so quickly - even without any deliberate marketing - that by the start of December, she was in new, dedicated premises, and busier than she ever imagined. "I wouldn't work for anyone else again," she says, "it's not that it's easier - it certainly isn't - but the sense of achievement and satisfaction is worth every ounce of effort."

Apart from the help she received from UMIST on her business plan, and some funding from her local Business Link, Karen found that the greatest amount of help came from her new 'friends' at BBV. "They've always been there to 'pep me up'," she says.

So far, the majority of work has come from adults looking for unique fancy dress outfits, but the range of costumes Karen makes and hires is a credit to her talent. "It's a lot of hard work, but it's something that I've always been interested in doing, so it doesn't feel like work." She adds, "if anyone is thinking of setting up a business, I'd tell them to do lots of research, put 200% effort into the business, and, without hesitation, give BBV a call."

Karen received help and advice from UMIST in Manchester, who gave her help with her business plan, book-keeping etc. Bolton Business Ventures (BBV) who are her 'safety net' - if she has any questions, she feels she can give them a call. Business Link funded her website and gave some additional startup funding.