East London Small Business Centre

The project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund started early this year to address market failure, by offering intensive one to one business support through a dedicated fashion sector business counsellor.

Nicola de Main, east London based fashion designer came to East London Small Business Centre after being referred by another designer. “I needed help with so many different areas of my business as I had no prior experience of running a small business,” says Nicola.

Nicola, who has won the Fashion Futures Designer of the Year Award in 2004, has been featured in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle and has her range sold at online fashion giant ASOS.com.

 “As my business grows I am being presented with new problems and I often stray into unknown territory. My business counselling sessions give me support and another perspective and often the wisdom of experience. It's a really useful resource to have if I have a problem that I can’t react to. With ELSBC I know that I have someone at the end of the phone who can help me solve my problems or direct me to someone who can - it makes you feel less isolated to know there is help.”

 Focusing on clothing and fashion designers based in Tower Hamlets and Newham and trading for 12 months, the project has been promoting young designers by working with UK Trade and Industry to create opportunities for them to trade both in national and international markets.

Pauline Barnett, Deputy Chief Executive at ELSBC said: “Through the business support offered, clients are challenged to be innovative and creatively overcome issues faced during this tough economic climate. When successful orders are taken, we will help and support with finance through our loan funds and also work through the production and delivery timing, whilst at all times ensuring pricing and costing is correct.”

 “I think in these unstable times the best advice I could give would be to go into a new venture with eyes open. I’ve made a lot of mistakes as I learned. Preparation and research into the business side of things can give a head start with the ups and downs of the times to come,” advices Nicola.    

Published: December 2009