Jade Bellchambers is a marketing professional and founder of Luminos Design, a start-up marketing, design and branding organisation based in Paignton, Devon.

Jade graduated with a Degree in Media Arts in 2013 and then went on to gain a Masters in Digital Marketing.

After gaining some industry experience through a volunteering opportunity, Jade secured a sole marketing position at an independent accountancy firm in Torbay. Whilst working at the firm, Jade initially started to think about setting up her own business, and it was there she developed the concept for Luminos Design.

However when Jade’s employment suddenly came to an end in May 2019, her self-employment plans were accelerated more rapidly than she’d anticipated.

 

The Challenge

Although Jade had a clear idea of the type of business she wanted to create, she lacked knowledge in business planning and the legalities starting a business entailed. Jade also felt that although she understood some information regarding finance and accounting from her prior experience, she needed to understand the facts and figures in relation to her business, and in simple terms.

Aside from a gap in practical business knowledge, Jade felt she lacked the self-belief and confidence to take her business forward and was conscious of what others would think of her business idea.

 

The Solution

Start up Torbay is a fully funded business support programme designed specifically to help businesses in Torquay, Brixham and Paignton, whether your business is still at concept stage or you are already up and running.

Through a series of fun and collaborative workshops, start ups will unlock their entrepreneurial potential and get to grips with areas including business planning, finance, marketing and sales.

This programme is available free of charge to all Torbay residents from all backgrounds with the aim of harnessing local entrepreneurial talent. The programme is fully funded by Torbay Council and the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by TDA.

Jade’s sister, who had previous received business support from TDA, recommended Jade get in touch with Business Advisor Kim Thornton.

 

The Results

As a result of Jade’s participation in the Start up Torbay workshop programme, she was able to learn how to put a business plan together, digest financial terminology and developed an increased self-confidence in her skills and abilities.

She also found real value in the ‘support network’ of other workshop attendees, and built strong connections from the networking opportunities the workshop offered.

Jade said: “It was so valuable having both a brilliant Business Advisor and a room full of other Start-ups, all in the same position as you. The workshops weren’t formal or boring but collaborative and engaging. There was a real sense of community and for the first time, I felt really at ease talking about my business in front of others. I would highly recommend the Start up Torbay Programme to any other start up business”.

Programme Lead and Business Advisor Kim Thornton said. “Over the five weeks, it was fantastic to see Jade’s business idea turn into a reality with the guidance from the programme. The growth I have seen in Jade as an entrepreneur has been enormous and I’m looking forward to seeing her and her business continue to develop.”

Jade will now continue to look to the future and build her business and brand. She hopes to be able to grow the business, whilst still retaining a people-focussed and personal service.

For more information on Luminos Design go to www.luminosdesign.com

For more information on the Start up Torbay programme go to www.startupTorbay.com