Member Article

Successful small business re-opens

A burgeoning business now has a shop dressed for success as a local entrepreneur reboots her operation.

The Sophie Rose Dress Agency, which had a successful 10-month spell in Middlesbrough’s Emporium, the corner unit for start-up businesses in The Cleveland Centre, has now reopened in new premises.

The entrepreneur behind the company, Rachel Pybus, has taken her fledgling firm just a short distance to the other side of Grange Road in the town centre to the former BSM driving school office.

And after more than a month of re-fitting the shop, the Sophie Rose Dress Agency has now re-opened with an elegant new look.

Rachel, whose business is named after her daughter, acts as an agent selling people’s no longer wanted designer and high quality clothing, often worn just once or not at all, on their behalf for a commission.

She said: “There is definitely a market for it. In the 10 months I had in the Emporium I had a big customer base.

“That’s why I wanted to stay nearby in Middlesbrough’s town centre and now I’m letting people know that we have re-opened. The location is perfect.”

Of the refit, she added: “It’s been very exciting, everyone who has come through the door thinks it looks great.”

Rachel was a retail manager for 10 years and set up in the Emporium as it is a low-risk way of potential entrepreneurs trying out their business ideas.

She said: “The magic of places like the Emporium is you are not signing up to a huge commitment so if it’s not working out you haven’t taken too much of a risk.

“I’m glad I did it this way because I have learned so much in 10 months and I think I’m definitely at that point where I can take on a longer-term lease.

Middlesbrough’s thriving Emporium is continuing to look for new businesses to come in and join its exciting collection of independent retailers.

The pioneering initiative to help fledgling businesses take flight in the town was launched in 2011 and has proved a runaway hit with entrepreneurs and shoppers alike.

The business incubator unit received royal approval at its official opening with a visit from HRH the Prince of Wales, and more recently had a visit from renowned entrepreneur Wayne Hemmingway.

New retailers are continuing to take up space within the Cleveland Centre unit while a number of successful start-ups have spread their wings and moved to new premises elsewhere in the town.

Since its launch, The Emporium has helped 14 new businesses move into vacant premises within the town, including The Sophie Rose Dress Agency

The Emporium prides itself on offering something a bit different to anywhere else, so we are keen to attract unique business ideas. Anyone who thinks they could be the next big thing, the Emporium can help you make your business dreams become a reality.

If you want to test-trade your business idea in a low-risk environment and receive a business-coaching package to help the business develop, then the Emporium is for you.

For further information on The Emporium, contact Business Development Officer Julie Marsden on 01642 729007 or email julie_marsden@middlesbrough.gov.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .