Member Article

Husband and wife launch jewellery start-up

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has helped a husband and wife team strike gold with the start-up of a new designer jewellery stall.

Marla Jones Jewellery, based at Durham Market Company, was set up by Jacqueline Lamb and husband, Martyn, after she was made redundant from her job at a jewellers in the city and the diamond couple have got the company off to a successful start after receiving advice and start up support from the BIC, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The company, named after Jacqueline’s late grandmother who was known for her love of jewellery, supplies a range of jewellery from designer brands including Azuni of London, Tianguis Jackson, Tutti & Co of North Shields, Paula Bolton pearls and Aviv Jewellery and has attracted the attention of a number of famous customers, including Doctor Who’s Jemma Redgrave.

After being made redundant earlier this year, Jacqueline decided to start her own business and heard of the BIC’s services through her local Job Centre, which allowed her to tap into the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) programme, a regional enterprise scheme which helps new businesses access start-up funding.

Jacqueline, from Grindon in Sunderland, said: “I have a lot of experience in jewellery merchandising, having worked for a local jewellers for the past eight years, and it was always something I felt passionate about. After I was made redundant, there was an opportunity to take everything I had learned and set up a business with Martyn, but we needed advice about our next steps.

“The thought of starting our own business during such a challenging economic time was really daunting, especially as a number of jewellers were closing down in the region, but we were soon put in touch with Debbie at the BIC and she really helped the business to get off the ground. From book keeping to business strategy, her advice was invaluable.

“It’s still early days but we’ve been really pleased with the amount of custom we have had so far. We have a number of returning customers of all ages and we’ve just taken a large delivery of stock ready for the New Year.”

With the help of the BIC, Jacqueline and Martyn were able to test the feasibility of the business, establish a solid business plan and develop cashflow forecasts; support which they have found to be vital in getting Marla Jones Jewellery off the ground.

Debbie Simpson, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to help Jacqueline set up a successful enterprise alongside her husband after facing the challenges of redundancy.

“The pair were able to access practical business assistance to help get them off on the right footing. I look forward to offering my continued support as the business develops and grows.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section