Ingrid Wilkinson, Director of OPAL North East, a school improvement programme designed to support schools to improve the quality of their playtimes, has strengthened her business structure and is about to launch a second business as a result of receiving support from Innovation SuperNetwork, powered by UMi, via the Business Factory North Tyneside’s GROW programme.
We spoke to the dynamic business owner to find out more about her experience.
Challenges
“My business grew quite rapidly following the pandemic. I had worked alone for six years then suddenly within 18 months had taken on four members of staff” explained Ingrid. “The main challenge brought with this new level of responsibility was that my role evolved significantly within such a short space of time. I needed to expand my business knowledge to ensure I was equipped with the skills required to develop my business. I went from direct delivery to having to think about a number of unfamiliar areas including business growth, staff support, training, marketing, human resources and business efficiency.”
Looking for support
“I first heard about GROW through one of the Business Factory events in North Tyneside and was introduced to, Sarah Cox, Innovation Challenge Programme Lead at UMi, who helped me identify the areas I needed support with.
“I immediately felt like it would be a good plan to explore the programme further and worked with Sarah to examine opportunities for growth, explore franchise considerations and devise ideas for future developments. Together we explored marketing options, carried out a SWOT analysis and communicated with other organisations who could offer funding, legal and IT advice.
“Sarah came up with practical ideas and solutions and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities. More specifically, she highlighted the power of networking and signposted me to workshops and other business professionals who could provide additional advice.”
Impact
“As a result of signing up to GROW and receiving one-to-one support from the Business Factory programme, I am now at a critical stage where systems are being put in place to strengthen business infrastructure and provide opportunities for growth going forward. I have plans in place to launch a second business which aligns with my current organisation. This is a significant milestone that will open doors to further opportunities for business development.”
Ingrid summed up her experience, saying:
“Since accessing GROW the structure of the business is much stronger and as a manager my skill set has grown considerably. The advice I have been given has been invaluable and I have really grown in confidence. I now have a clear vision, and I am looking forward to succeeding in both my initial business and launching a new one.
“The support and expertise I have received from Innovation SuperNetwork and The Business Factory has been instrumental not only to my business growth and future, but in creating a time frame which gave me the motivation and drive to go from ‘thinking about it’ to actually doing it and achieve my ambitions.
“I now have the framework to launch a new business which aligns with OPAL NE and when all goes to plan, will ultimately improve children’s lives through the power of play. That’s a win for me and a win for hundreds of thousands of children.”
If you are based in North Tyneside, and would like some support from a business specialist to help your business GROW, get in touch with us today.
Has Ingrid's story got you thinking?
Find out how we can help your business by calling us on 0191 605 3110 or drop us an email on info@businessnorthtyneside.co.uk
