Sketchbook manufacturer Pink Pig has invested £350k in its relocation to larger premises at Dodworth Business Park in Barnsley where it aims to increase production four-fold over the next five years.

The family-run company’s new 15,000 square foot workshop, warehouse and offices are nearly twice the size of its former base ten miles away at Emley, near Huddersfield.

Pink Pig currently produce around 700,000 sketchbooks a year but aim to ramp that up to more than three million within five years.

The company has invested £200k in new punching and binding equipment and its experienced 23-strong workforce - including two apprentices.

Plans are in place to create seven new jobs before the end of 2016. The manufacturer, which has a £1.4 million turnover, has grown year-on-year since it was established by Nick 23 years ago.

Managing director Nick Wilson named the company after a pink pig motif he designed as a Leeds Polytechnic art student and had tattooed on his arm for a fiver.

His business started with him making hand-made sketchbooks in his cellar in 1991. Nick’s wife Emma and sister-in-law Rachel Hardwick are now co-directors of the family run firm.

Nick Wilson said: “We’ve moved to consolidate our whole operation; update, streamline and expand production.“

Pink Pig’s move has been supported by Enterprising Barnsley, a European-funded programme delivered by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. 

 “Every art student needs a good sketchbook and schools need to be able to supply them. We meet that demand and our catalogues are sent to heads of art at state and private schools from Inverness to Penzance.“

Pink Pig also sells through art shops and direct to artists across the UK and overseas via its own website and e-commerce channels such as Amazon.

It currently has distribution facilities in Germany, France and the USA and plans to expand these into Brazil, Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Export represents two per cent of its trade today and Nick aims to increase this to 50% by 2020.

Enterprising Barnsley business development manager Steve Hawkins said: “Pink Pig manufacture a well-known and high quality product for a market they are well-placed to grow.

"We’re delighted to welcome their impressive and productive factory to Barnsley and look forward to supporting them to build an even bigger business”. 

Leeds creative and digital agency DS.Emotion has announced a substantial 27% increase in turnover for 2014 prompting investment in growth plans for 2015.

The award winning consultancy, which has studios in Leeds, Manchester and London, plans to increase its team by one-third, recruiting across all three studios to help manage and service a significant increase in client activity as it prepares to achieve similar growth in this next financial year.

Much of this success is attributed to geographical growth as DS.Emotion launched into the North West marketplace with a new base in Manchester. 

Director Angus Armitage, said, “Twelve months on from establishing our Manchester studio we have leveraged our property expertise to take on some of the North West’s most prominent developers and schemes.

Recent gains include the 100,000 sq. ft. office redevelopment of Arkwright House in Manchester city centre for Catalyst Capital, a £65 million leisure led development in Stockport Town Centre, Angel Gardens at Noma, and Axis, a 27 storey residential tower for Property Alliance Group.

DS.Emotion is also appointed to create brand campaigns for City House in Leeds for Bruntwood, Thorpe Park Leeds for Scarborough Development Group and Hills’ Zero carbon scheme in Cambridge.

In other sectors DS.Emotion has increased its remit to market 27 hotels for the QHotels Group, secured bespoke projects for NHS Trust service areas, provide brand campaigns for Workplace Pensions Direct and deliver branding and creative work for Civica, a global technology business.

Last year DS.Emotion expanded internationally, leveraging sales across the UAE and China for both residential and commercial projects working with their network of locally based agents in Shanghai and Dubai

Image source: EG Focus

Golley Slater PR has expanded their Northern business, with new contract wins and an expansion into Leeds. 

A number of key new hires and an office relocation to the new One Aire Street development within the building of Leeds Rail Station has since seen the revamped team win a number of significant, six figure wins such as Poundstretcher, Land Securities (Trinity Leeds & White Rose), Thai Leisure Group and projects for GO Outdoors. 

The appointment of Eileen Stretton at the end of that year led to a change of strategy and a team restructure.  

Golley Slater PR North is a division of Golley Slater, a full service marketing agency with offices across the UK, employing over 200 marketing professionals.  

Golley Slater provides advertising, direct and digital, PR, media, branding, social media, recruitment and contact management services.

The agency will be tasked to create and implement through the line, creative brand building campaigns, working closely with the internal marketing team at Park Leisure, reporting to the

Park leisure head of marketing, Grant Gidman, who commented:“This is a very exciting time for our growing business and so we needed to bring in a strong PR team with local and national media clout who could really bring to life our offering: making a luxury leisure lifestyle an affordable reality."

Thirty year old Kathryn Lowdon from Gateshead has launched her jazz singing career and vocal coaching business after being cured of deafness she had suffered for years. 

Since she has been able to hear her own voice she has gone from strength to strength and trained with top American and Canadian vocal coaches including Greg Enriquez, Spencer Welch, Jeffrey Skouson and Guy Babusek, protégés of Michael Jackson’s singing mentor, Seth Riggs. 

She has even sung on a Mississippi River Boat and with the New Hope Gospel Choir in New Orleans which was the perfect experience for her singing style.

Kathryn said: “I had always wondered if I could sing, as my grandparents were jazz singers but it wasn’t until my hearing problem was sorted out that I found out I could.  The strange thing is I sound very different to how I look.  Since my hearing has improved I have been on such an amazing journey.  I am launching my own vocal coaching business and my first EP.  I can’t quite believe it.”                            

Her hearing problem was identified after her friend, Sam Forster heard Kathryn’s iPod playing in her bag yet she had not been aware of it being on.  After being examined by an audiologist at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, she was diagnosed with congenital deafness and given digital hearing aids.

She said: “I can still remember the first time I heard a crisp packet being rustled and car keys jangling so to be able to take pleasure in my own singing is a dream come true.  My first voice tutor in the UK, Anna Middleton spotted my ability and encouraged me to go to Canadian vocal coach, Spencer Welch, to develop and I am so grateful for that initial support, it set me on the right road.”

She is now putting the finishing touches to her self-penned EP which will be released in May as well as building up her vocal coaching business.  In her coaching she uses the advice and tips she has gathered from the international singing specialists who have helped her own career.  

Kathryn is a member of the Institute of Vocal Advancement and trains people by giving them specific voices exercises best suited to them, rather than teaching a style, it relies on muscle memory techniques.

Richard Myers, of Transmit Start-Ups has extensive experience of the music business and is Kathryn’s business coach through Generator’s coaching programme.  He said: “Kathryn’s story is very inspirational.  She has overcome massive odds to launch her career and business.  It is great for people who want to learn to sing to have such an experienced vocal coach in our region.”   

Further information is available on her facebook page Kathryn Lowdon Vocal Studios and her website www.klvs.co.uk.  Information on Transmit Start-Ups in available on www.transmitstartups.co.uk.

Image source: Kevin Vinh Pham

I-com is a Manchester-based digital agency that was set up in 2004 it now employs 40 people and has a turnover of £1.8 million.

It’s profit rose by 43% last year and it continues to experience great growth with 5 new roles created in the last 12 months.

The company started in an upstairs bedroom of a house in fallowfield and now operates out of of offices in Manchester.  

70% of its business comes from retained clients and the remaining 30% comes from new business each year.

MD, Mike told Bdaily: “We go beyond digital marketing and work with businesses to cover everything they may need, from optimization to designing the website.

“It’s a holistic approach where we try and make you more successful as a business.

“Our biggest challenge is growth, we grew 28% last year and we get bigger it becomes harder to sustain those growth figures.

“The easiest thing for me is getting up and coming to work, I love facing new challenges.

“We’re a friendly, young company with a good friendly atmosphere, people enjoy coming into work and are happy and motivated.“

Gateshead-based Premium snacking brand Manomasa, which offers a range of tortilla chips in adventurous flavours, has secured a listing with national retailer Waitrose.

Available from 2nd February 2015, nationwide across the UK, will be stocking four varieties from the Manomasa tortilla chip range: Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper, Chipotle & Lime, Manchego & Green Olive and Tomatillo Salsa.

Following the brands listing in Whole Foods, Ocado, Fortnum & Mason and independent delis, launching into Waitrose was the next step for the growing brand of tortilla chips.

Shaking up all expectations of the tortilla chip, Manomasa pays tribute to the original tortilla chip - the totopo - whilst branching out into new tastes, sensations and textures inspired by the diversity and creativity of street food culture.

The partnership is central to the company’s growth strategy and key to capturing a bigger share of the UK’s premium snacking category. Snacking is deeply ingrained among UK adults with 98% of adults snacking at home, work or a place of study and 70% of adults snacking when on the go.

Two thirds of adults who snack do so at least once a day, with almost three in 10 doing so twice a day or more. This demonstrates how popular snacking is but also the challenge for Manomasa to grow penetration further – the new listing with Waitrose is a great start, as it will enable the brand to grow its customer base and expand revenues in 2015.

Each variety of Manomasa tortillas has a distinctive shape (designed for snacking, scooping or dipping), texture (using super-seeds, such as sunflower, linseed and caraway for extra depth and bite) and exciting flavour combinations to suit the modern palate, for a unique snacking experience.

Manomasa Founder, Calum Ryder, said: “We’re really excited to be launching into Waitrose stores as we believe that the Waitrose shopper will appreciate the passion that goes into creating every variety within the Manomasa range.

“The chips are all unique in flavour, texture and shape, and every ingredient is chosen with the utmost care and attention to ensure we continue to deliver innovative and adventurous flavoured varieties to meet consumer demand.“

Image source: JFXie

It is estimated that the UK will spend £1.6 billion on gifts for their loved ones this Valentine’s Day, giving the retail sector a much needed boost after the post-Christmas lull.

February sales are typically flat according to figures from the British Retail Consortium and so the event gives businesses an opportunity to engage with customers and find new ones. 

This year, Valentine’s Day is even more in the spotlight, as the release of much-anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey film has been timed to launch today.

Valentine’s Day has long been a boon to retailers, who welcome the opportunity to boost sales after a dip following the frantic festive season.

Britons spent £40.2 million on cards for the day last year, averaging £1.86 per person, the highest spend among special occasions, the Greeting Card Association has calculated. 

Meanwhile Tesco estimates that is sells more than one million bouquets of flowers for Valentine’s Day each year. 

Simon Read of Growth Accelerator, the Government-backed scheme that provides small businesses with a mentor and grants, says firms should start planning for the occasion soon in the new year.

“Whether it’s hiring someone to give your social media channels a real push or being able to boost your stock ready for the Valentine’s rush, being prepared to really take advantage of these opportunities is crucial for those businesses wanting Valentine’s success.”

Yorkshire travel firm Redfern has appointed Barnsley-based Cream to oversee its public relations.

Redfern, which has a turnover of almost £300 million, is the nominated supplier of UK travel management to the government and was last month named in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100.

Bradford-based Redfern has recently rebranded and appointed Cream to increase its profile both nationally and regionally.

Cream director Elizabeth Hudson said: “Redfern is a tremendously impressive company which has seen sales growth of nearly 500% in the past three years.

“The company has a superb reputation within the public sector and we aim to strategically build on this success to bring the benefits of using Redfern to more clients in the private sector.”

Mark Bowers, chief executive at Redfern, added: “We were impressed by Cream’s ability to quickly grasp what Redfern is all about and what we’re hoping to achieve in the coming months.”

Cream is a multi-award winning PR and marketing communications business working across entertainment, manufacturing, financial, professional services, digital and lifestyle sectors.

Third year Newcastle University student Clare Fearon has launched an online bakery store, Clare’s Squares, exporting traybakes to as far across the globe as Japan.

Clare, who originally hails from Nottingham, has always had a passion for baking. Ensuring this passion wasn’t lost, Clare founded Newcastle University’s baking society, which has since grown to over 250 members.

Her culinary creations instantly proved popular with peers. Following an array of positive feedback and calls to sell her stock, the enterprising biology undergraduate decided to start a business. In september, Clare set up stall by creating a page on peer-to-peer ecommerce website Etsy.

Offering a variety of traybakes made fresh to order, Clare’s squares are designed to fit through a letterbox to ensure delivery is as easy and accessible as possible.

A multitude of options are available, with produce ranging from brownies to cookies as well as bespoke creations being available upon request.

Whilst Clare has delivered her traybakes nationwide and beyond she is now looking for more local customers to add to her regulars. On top of balancing orders with the rigours of a final year at university, Clare is faced with the challenge of promoting her brand further and growing the business

Hoping to stay in Newcastle after graduating this summer, Clare is applying to Newcastle University’s RiseUp programme, designed to help burgeoning young entrepreneurs and in some cases leading to £10k funding.

Clare told Bdaily: “I baked a lot in my halls of residence during my first year. To me, baking has always been the norm, I’ve always loved doing it. A lot of people told me that people would pay for what I bake so I thought why not and gave it a go!

“When I started Clare’s Squares last year I didn’t know quite what to expect but there’s always been enough to keep me busy!

“I experienced quite a boom in the run up to Christmas. It meant I had to bring all of my cooking things home to Nottingham with me on the train to cater for all of my orders. I think I’ll have to stay here for Easter!

“I’ve love takings orders. It amazes me that I’ve shipped my treats to beyond the UK. I’ve sent things to Austria, Italy and even Japan! I’m excited by what’s next.”

To make an order or to contact Clare visit claressquares.co.uk or alternatively order straight from her marketplace https://www.etsy.com/shop/claressquares. 

Started your own business? Whether long established or a finding your feet, Bdaily wants to hear from you! Contact jamie.hardesty@bdaily.co.uk to find out more.

Clothing supplier Clothes2order has unveiled expansion plans for 2015 which include creating 30 jobs, a search for new premises following a six-figure investment in equipment.

The Trafford Park-based company, which supplies customised clothing for uniforms, promotions and events, says its workforce is expected to reach 100 this year, up from 70.

After ordering more printing and embroidery machinery, Clothes2order is seeking additional production sites after reaching capacity at its Manchester headquarters.

Clothes2order prints and embroiders logos and slogans on to clothing for more than 20,000 businesses, clubs, charities and societies as well as individuals.

It is the fastest-growing division of Quayside Group, which saw revenues rise 50 per cent in the year to December 31, from £4.4 million to £6.6 million.

Managing director Michael Conway said: “The investment, innovation and service improvements we have implemented at Clothes2order over the past two years are really bearing fruit.

“We’ve substantially increased our market share by upgrading our website to make ordering easier, and by introducing one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry, with orders dispatched within 24 hours and no minimum quantity.

“Along with other initiatives, such as a click and collect service at Trafford Park, we have forged a reputation as the market leader in our industry and we aim to continue our progress with further substantial investment this year.

“During 2014 we recruited across the board, from warehouse staff and machine operatives to our customer support, sales and web development teams, and this programme of job creation will continue during 2015.

“We will soon double our printing capacity and we are targeting group revenues of £9m for the full year.“

Image source: pang yu liu

Community group The Love Withington Baths group has won the right to run a popular Manchester swimming pool, which was set for closure.

As part of plans to help save £80m from Manchester City Council’s budget, Withington Baths was among several pools set to close this year.

The group started a campaign to save the 104-year-old Edwardian baths and has now had its business plan approved by the council.

The local residents are working on an agreement to lease the building for the next two years.

Group chairman Paul Smith said: "We are dedicated to build upon the legacy of this wonderful pool and create an even more exciting future for this building, which has more than proven its place in local hearts."

The residents, who staged a large protest against the closure plans in 2013, are hoping to begin running the leisure centre by the start of the summer.

2015 is proving to be a busy year for Love Displays of Blackpool, after securing two new London exhibition contracts to be designed and built within the next month.

The Lancashire based company officially launched their new eco-friendly ‘möbius’ exhibition system in 2014 and is already creating high demand with enquires coming from as far away as South Africa.

Love Displays have successfully secured contracts to design and build stands at two large London exhibitions; ‘Confex International’ on the 18th – 19th of February and ‘TFMA’ (Technology for Marketing and Advertising) on the 25th – 26th of February.

Love Displays have no intentions of slowing down anytime soon, with their recruitment drive for a production manager now complete and further recruitment planned for the next 12 months to support the expanding business.

The sleek ‘möbius’ system launched in January enables companies to have an exhibition stand that has the creativity and style of a professional custom-built stand, but with significant cost savings and the added benefit of a wealth of green credentials.

The company’s two new clients ‘Workbooks’ a CRM software company of Reading and ‘ESP Recruitment’ of London both have requested the services of Love Displays for the coming month to both design and build their exhibition stands using this versatile modular stand system.

In October 2014 the exhibition company doubled their existing premises to expand their space into an 8000sq/m production, showroom and storage facility.

This carefully selected production and storage facility located on the Fylde coast, has provided Love Displays with expansive space to manage all their new projects and fantastic access to the motorway and major exhibition centres in the UK.

Both companies are new clients for the Lancashire firm, a relationship that Managing Director David Charnley hopes will be one of longevity. “The flexibility and versatility of the möbius systems allows us great freedom and creativity when designing stands for clients.

"The system also allows our clients to re-use their stand at multiple exhibitions as it can be easily reconfigured to fit into different spaces and is incredibly compact when packed away making it perfect for shipping to exhibitions overseas which can save them thousands of pounds each year. We are hoping to support both of these new clients at their other exhibitions through-out the year ahead.”

Thrive, the Congleton-based brand communications agency, has gone through an incredible period of expansion over the past 12 months.

On the back of several new client wins the agency has increased the size of its creative and development teams as well as appointing a new Senior Account Manager.

Amongst Thrive’s current portfolio are Claire’s, Graham & Brown, The Victorian Chop House Company and Bramham International Horse Trials.

Founder and managing director Dave Powell said “As Thrive has evolved over the last 4 years we’ve found that it’s our advice and collaborative approach that clients value the most. “Rather than being reactive, we take the time to understand clients businesses in detail and then use the most appropriate means to communicate their values, services and products to their target audiences.

“Essentially we work as an extension to their business. That’s why we’re emphasising our role as a Brand Communications agency, which accurately represents what we do.”

Image source: Ali Craigmile

Sheffield’s cloud-based media production firm ZOO Digital Group plc, has announced that it has been selected by BBC Worldwide, the wholly owned commercial subsidiary of the BBC, to provide a new subtitling and captioning solution for its global operations. 

Using its ZOOsubs and ZOOcore cloud-based software, the firm will provide a system to manage and repurpose all BBC subtitling and captioning assets.

BBC Worldwide teams across the globe will use the system to access, repurpose and download the localised materials for local broadcast and digital distribution.

All subtitles and captions shown on the BBC’s four UK terrestrial channels will be added to the system shortly after broadcast.

The system will automatically localise US English and Australian and New Zealand English versions, making files immediately available to download in all formats.

BBC Worldwide intends to deploy the system more widely over time, ultimately creating a comprehensive, multi-language database containing all localised BBC Worldwide subtitle and caption assets.

Mark Lovatt, global head of content services, Global Content Supply Chain at BBC Worldwide, said: "Having explored all potential providers, ZOO Digital presented the ideal solution to produce and manage our subtitle localisation.

"ZOO’s industry-leading services and innovative technology deliver a powerful, easy-to-use solution that will support our global teams in delivering accessible, localised BBC content to audiences around the world."

ZOO Digital president, Gordon Doran, added: "In what is a highly competitive space with many well-established service providers, we’re delighted to have been selected by BBC Worldwide to deliver a solution to produce and manage subtitles and captions. Our flexible, scalable technology provides a powerful platform to support localisation operations for one of the world’s largest content distributors."

ZOO Digital, with offices in London, Sheffield and Los Angeles, provides a revolutionary new approach to global media production services, all powered by next generation ZOO technology.

North Yorkshire based mother and daughter jewellery designers have launched Renné Jewellery. 

Helen and Annie Rennison design and create original sterling silver and semi precious stone pieces from their rural workshop in Richmond.  

Their business launched online to the public last month. 

Helen Rennison, co-founder of Renné Jewellery, comments: “We’re delighted our dream of launching our own jewellery brand has become a reality, I’m especially pleased I’m doing it with my daughter.

"Our launch in 2015 marks years of preparation, fine-detail designing and hard work.

“It’s this level of intricacy and dedication that guarantees jewellery by Renné is one of a kind and a truly original design for the wearer.

"It’s our vision that anyone who wears an item from the Renné collection treasures their piece and establishes their own way of wearing the item.

"Every single piece within the collection is individual, with small blemishes or indents only adding character and a story to the necklace, ring or bangle.

"We design pieces that evolve and change with age, meaning that they can be worn for a lifetime.”

Annie Rennison, said: “It was essential that our collection can be worn by everyone from a grandma to a granddaughter.

"Each piece is distinctive and can be worn in variety of ways, everything that we designed for the line can be stacked and layered with other pierces to create a look that is distinct to the person wearing them.”

The Renné collection includes rings, bangles, necklaces and earrings, as well as personalised cufflinks for gentlemen.

Leeds-based Enjoy Digital have settled in to their brand new  premises after doubling staff numbers in the past year.

They are now based at 23 The Calls, Leeds relocating a short distance from their previous location on Maude Street.

Enjoy Digital have seen significant agency, staff and account growth since its formation in 2008.

In the past year their staff number has doubled, and with the space to grow in the new premises, Enjoy predict a further 50% staff increase over the next 18 months. 

Jonathan Filewood, director of Enjoy Digital, stated; “It’s an extremely exciting time for us and we would like to thank all our clients for their support both during the move and with their on-going business.

"It’s a great move to a fantastic building where we can now start our next chapter. Space is such a valuable commodity, one we were lacking in our old home.

"We have been planning for the last 12 months, now its complete we can continue in our growth plans and build an even stronger agency with great employees and clients.“

Total advertising spend in the UK is anticipated to increase by 5.4% to £15.8 billion in 2015, with a majority share spent on digital advertising.

According to a report by Strategy Analytics, a rise in mobile and tablet users has resulted in a 9.5% increase in digital spend.

The UK is the first country to break the 50% threshold for digital advertising, with just under £8 billion spent in digital advertising. Globally around 30% of advertising spend goes on digital media, while in the US the figure is 28%.

Due to a surge in digital advertising, companies are keen to work alongside knowledgeable marketing professionals to promote their brands across fully-responsive platforms such as Bdaily.

Fiona Kay, sales and marketing manager at Bdaily said: "Here at Bdaily, we’ve witnessed an upsurge in the demand for digital advertising, over the last two years in particular.

"Many of our customers are making a transition from print to digital – it’s great to see that now even more traditional sectors, such as professional services, are seeing the worth in this form of advertising."

Michael Goodman, co-author of Strategy Analytics’ report, said: “Digital crossing the 50 per cent share threshold is a seminal moment in the history of the ad industry, particularly factoring in its dominance in the UK compared to globally."

Image source: BirminghamRetailQ

Leeds brand design consultancy Elmwood has completed its first project with multi channel retailer Argos to create a new identity for its exclusive range of toys, Chad Valley.

Chad Valley is an established toy brand with over 150 years of history. The challenge given to Elmwood was to bring the brand identity up to date.

Elmwood was tasked to deliver brand consistency across multi channels, including product packaging, catalogue pages and a dedicated Chad Valley webshop within the Argos website.

Steven Shaw, design director at Elmwood, said: “It was great to immerse ourselves in the ‘Valley of Imagination’ and to view the world as a child again.

"We wanted to create packaging that could live on after purchase. The child can use the wraparound landscape on the box as a diorama for the toys to play in.”

Rebecca Hanson, account director at Elmwood, said: “Working on the Chad Valley rebrand gave us a huge opportunity to deliver a truly joined up brand proposition, executed effectively across all platforms.”

Rob Quartermain, Argos Senior brand manager said: “Elmwood has successfully responded to an extremely challenging brief, to deliver an exciting new identity for Chad Valley which will act as catalyst for the brand’s activity in the years to come.

"Elmwood has given us the best possible chance to elevate Chad Valley, continuing the brand’s long-held status as one of the UK’s most loved toy brands.”

Charlotte Dewhurst, marketing controller, own brands at Argos said: “Elmwood’s strategic approach, detailed planning and personable style has made delivering this huge project at pace enjoyable.

"The unique new packaging, catalogue execution and webshop speak for themselves, but our customers have confirmed that they drive reappraisal of the brand. A positive first and exciting step towards the relaunch of Chad Valley.”

A 19 year old student entrepreneur has set up a wedding entertainment business with the help of Barnsley Startup at the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre.

Wedding singer Victoria Lauren needed capital to put herself through university, and wedding entertainment at the weekend seemed perfect, so she saved money for startup costs to buy her own equipment from a part-time job.

Victoria said: "Everything has happened really quickly, a friend of mine told me about Barnsley Startup as they helped her set up her own business which is thriving,  so I decided to contact them and signed up for their open day which was only a couple of weeks ago.

"I decided to start up my business immediately ,I’ve thought about it for long enough, plus the person I spoke to was really friendly, encouraging and full of helpful advice.

"I am attending the BBIC workshops for 5 weeks and learning how run a successful business for example, how to reasearch and market my business.

"They have already provided me with contacts and an opportunity to showcase my singing at the opening of a new venue at a large hotel.

"Consequentially, I have quickly recorded a few songs onto cd’s to distribute at the event along with my business cards, with a website under construction.

"I would like to be able to tailor packages to the requirements of each individual couple.

"I aspire to be an Opera Singer, and this is only the beginning of my career; my first tentitive steps towards being a self employed singer."

Image source: Rocker_44

Britain’s fashion industry is worth £26 billion to the UK economy, according to a report published by the British Fashion Council.

Today marks the start of 2015’s London Fashion Week, in which more than 50 designers will be showcasing their A/W collections across the capital.

The UK fashion industry is estimated to support 797,000 jobs, according to Oxford Economics, a decrease of 2.3% from 2009.

In a statement on its website, The British Fashion Council expresses its commitment to supporting growth in the sector which it hopes will lead to more employment opportunities.

Fashion’s total contribution to the economy via both indirect support for supply chain industries and induced spending of employee’s wage income is estimated to have risen to over £46 billion, according to Oxford Economics.

Facts and figures from London Fashion Week 2014:

• There were 75,000 images added to Instagram that including hashtag #LFW
• There were 176,000 mentions of #LFW on Twitter
• London Fashion Week live streams are watched in 160 countries worldwide
• Over 200 kg of Lavazza beans are used over London Fashion Week
• Over 30,000 espressos were served at London Fashion Week last season

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "These latest figures are clear evidence of the hugely important contribution that fashion makes to our economy. It is a dynamic industry whose value is increasing thanks to the dazzling creativity of our designers, the brilliant colleges that bring up the next waves of talent and a fast moving retail sector, which covers the spectrum of great style from bespoke to high street.

"My office will continue to work with the British Fashion Council to ensure that London remains on the front row in the international fashion stakes."

George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer said: "London is about to host one of the central events in the fashion calendar, but more importantly it is about to showcase the world class talent we have in our fashion industry. It is testament to the designers, large and small, of the United Kingdom, and to all those who work in the wider retail industry."

Sam Moore, COO, Oxford Economics, added “Our research underlines the continued and growing importance of the fashion industry’s contribution to the UK economy.

"Despite, the severe economic headwinds that have confronted British industries since 2009, the growth of the fashion industry is a testament to the popularity of the UK’s fashion industry.”