Member Article

Sunderland seamstress entrepreneur opens own shop

A seamstress has started her own business and opened up shop thanks to the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

Frances Buckle officially opened The Little Sewing Mill for business two months ago and her clients already range from parents wanting school uniforms altered to nurses, doctors and paramedics from the nearby Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Frances visited the BIC where she was appointed business adviser, Debbie Simpson, who put her on to the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) programme. Three months later and business is booming, Frances has even taken on two members of staff to help with the demand, Frances said:

“The reaction to the business has been amazing we are in a prime location and get a lot of footfall. By pure coincidence the previous shop owner used to be a seamstress too and after her retirement I have been lucky enough to pick up some of her clients who are thrilled the shop is remaining an alterations shop.

“Debbie and the BIC have been so helpful and I am very grateful to be doing what I love for a living, it really doesn’t feel like a job I am very lucky.” Debbie added: “It is wonderful to see Frances in her very own shop and it is wonderful to witness how far she has taken the business in such a short space of time.”

For more information on The Little Sewing Mill please contact Frances on 07577989103

For advice and support on becoming your own boss call 0191 516 6149 or email businesssupport@ne-bic.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .