How to start a business!

Company name:  Berri

Client name: Terri Blood

Location: Devon

First contact: May 2019

Business Launch: March 2020

Business Summary: Development and manufacture of products.

Design Work: Logo, leaflets, packaging stickers, business cards, social media adverts, social media set up, website

Company website: www.berri-designs.com  (website designed by Sandcress)

Introducing the client: Terri contacted me as she had an idea for a product but no idea at all how to move that idea towards a reality; how to start a business.  It was a high end travel jewellery case that she wanted to develop in vegan leather.

The journey: This was a very exciting but long and involved process.  We started with some solid focus group research to establish that the product idea was a good one and to get the information needed to tweak the design to make it more likely to be successful.  From there the design was finalised and we began the search for a suitable manufacturer - that in itself was a bit of a rollercoaster ride!  The next step was to get samples of the products made and clear costings (which enabled us to finalise our profit and loss forecast and business plan),  After a few tweaks to the sample production went ahead.  Back in the UK we worked on the packaging, marketing strategy and route to market strategy.  After a very long wait, just after Christmas 2019, it was with much excitement that Terri took delivery of the first batch of her products.  

The products then had to be professionally photographed and added to the website.  The website was finished off and put live.

Design Work:  I designed Terri's Logo for her, Business Cards, Product labels, Product Spec Document and designed and developed her website.  

The launch: Once the products were in the UK and on the website we then got them also on the other portals for sale such as Amazon and Etsy.  We also started approaching retailers around the UK.  In March 2020 Terri had her first sale!  An incredibly proud moment for us both!  I continue to support Terri with her marketing and manage her social media for her, including marketing on social media.  We plan to start approaching the major retailers in a few month.

Follow up - 01/10/2021: Things were going really well for Terri and Berri until travel slowed down as a result of Covid.  Sadly, Terri had to put the business on hold for a little while.  But she's now pushing forward and picking things back up again 🙂 

"I had an idea for a new product, but I knew nothing about running a business & had absolutely no idea where to start. That all changed when I came across Sandcress Small Business Support's website. I was incredibly nervous about making that 1st call but I have never looked back. Cressida has been there to support and advise me every step of the way, from designing my business logo, creating my website, social media marketing (& listening to my occasional meltdowns!), Cressida has given me the full support needed to bring my vision to reality. Cressida has been there every step of the way with me. She really listens to you and gives honest advice and I highly recommend Sandcress to anyone who has an idea - go for it!"  Terri Blood