"Id always wanted to be my own boss and I had been weighing up the idea of corporate sweets business for a while."
Lisa Organ
A North Warwickshire business is enjoying the sweet smell of success after making the most of a business start-up programme.
Lisa Organ, from Atherstone, launched Lisa’s Sweet Treats as a full-time business earlier this year after giving up her job as a Project Manager at a technology company.
And the company, which provides sweet carts for weddings and corporate occasions, has been ‘sweetening the experience’ for individuals and businesses who want to bring added flavour to their events.
It was launched with the support of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s start-up team thanks to a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
It forms part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme, which is also funded by Warwickshire County Council and the district & borough councils.
Lisa said: “I’d always wanted to be my own boss and I had been weighing up the idea of corporate sweets business for a while.
“The more I looked into it, the more convinced I was that there was a gap in the market and that’s when I decided I wanted to pursue the idea more seriously.”
Lisa’s foray into the world of bonbons, gummy bears and lollypops began in December 2018 when she launched the business on a part-time basis.
But increasing demand for branded sweets at a range of events convinced her that she was ready to take the company full time – she just needed a nudge in the right direction.
Lisa said: “I was always confident about my business case but I was also a little bit nervous about fully committing to the idea.
“I searched online to find out more about the help and assistance that was available to start-ups in Coventry and Warwickshire and came across the Chamber of Commerce.”
Through the Chamber’s Business Start-Up programme, Lisa was given advice and guidance on a range of aspects involved in setting up a company full-time. She also received one-to-one mentoring from a Business Advisor who provided support on sourcing and securing financial assistance.
“Financial planning was one of the most challenging aspects of setting up my own business but luckily my mentor gave me advice on planning – it gave me confidence in the early stages,” said Lisa.
“There are pressures that come with having your own company but the sense of personal fulfilment is second to none.”
Since going full-time, Lisa’s Sweet Treats has gone from strength to strength.
“I’m working with a well-known hotel chain and enquiries are starting to pour in. I’ve been able to expand the range of products on offer and I’ve also established an online presence.
“It’s a really exciting time for the business and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Keely Hancox, Operations Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are thrilled to see Lisa’s business really taking off.
“It’s a great example of someone who wanted to launch their own company and had a great idea for a business, but just need some advice and support around the day-to-day running of your own firm.
“That’s where we have been able to help and we look forward to watching Lisa’s Sweet Treats flourish.”
There are a range of workshops and masterclasses on offer in North Warwickshire to support start-up businesses including:
North Warwickshire & Hinckley College - Nuneaton
5th November - Business Planning
For more information on these and the support available, go to www.cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.
