Nicola Weeks, owner of George James Bridal, explains why the business should win the Startup of the Year category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition:
George James Bridal is a luxury boutique that offers a high-end experience, with quality designer gowns at affordable prices. I have been a successful actress for the past 12 years but my family suffered a devastating loss that prompted me to change direction regarding my career.
My 10 year old nephew passed away from cancer and this tragedy put things into perspective for me. The boutique has also been named after him. Having had previous experience in a well established bridal boutique, I realised that I could do it myself.
In the year I have been trading I was presented with my loan by the Prime Minister, I have won Best New Business at the FSB awards, Best Newcomer for the East of England at The Wedding Industry Awards, made the National Finals for Best New Start Up at the FSB Worldpay awards and won Best Newcomer at The Four Counties Wedding Awards.
I reached my projected target for the year in just three months and doubled it at six months. I have now just completed my first year of trading and I have exceeded my projected year three target of dress sales. I see this as proof that I have successfully carved a place for my business in the marketplace. To operate a successful business, it is essential to make money but I feel establishing a quality reputation is vital for longevity and it is here that I feel I have particularly excelled.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
