3 minute read
Business
lifestyle Business Josette’s Joy!
Just 100 of the UK's most inspiring small businesses have been chosen to mark the official countdown to Small Business Saturday UK, which takes place across the UK in December.
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And the Bromley borough has more reason to celebrate as one of its residents, Josette Coulson, has been named one of the 100 Small Businesses for 2021 - a huge accolade given that just 100 businesses throughout the UK are recognised! We caught up with Orpington-based Josette, who runs My Party Box.fun, to find out more about what she offers…
Q: A HUGE congratulations Josette! You must be thrilled?
A: I think I’m still in shock! I got my application in with just two minutes to spare on the clock and I can’t believe that I’ve been acknowledged as one of 100. It all feels a bit surreal.
Q: Amazing! So what exactly does your business offer?
A: My Party Box.fun provides party boxes for children’s parties to help busy parents. Being eco-friendly and sustainable is very important to me, so around 85% of the items that are currently included in the party boxes are either recyclable, reusable or biodegradable. My goal is to get to 100%!
Q: When did you launch and what inspired you to start your business?
Raising two girls, my inspiration came from a bit of a pain point, whereby I wanted my children to experience memorable birthdays, but without the hassle of having to organise everything – from the decorations down to the party bags. So instead I came up with the solution of offering everything in a hamper basket to host a memorable party – all that needs adding are the guests, catering and entertainment.
Q: Where do you deliver to and how can people find out more information?
A: We’re a nationwide company so can cater to everyone UK-based and our website is www.MyPartyBox.fun or you can check us out on social media - @mypartybox.fun on Facebook and Instagram.
Josette’s business will be promoted online by Small Business Saturday UK on 13th November – for details see
smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/small-biz-100
Giving is receiving...
by LEE LAM, Your Startup Partner
For some people, starting their own business can feel a double-edged sword: they’re excited about the potential of what their business can become but concerned that they don’t want to appear overly ambitious. This means that all of their plans for growing the business can be filtered through a need to look like it’s a good thing for everyone. But these two things aren’t mutually exclusive. Yes, you can have a business where the main product or service directly impacts the community or the environment. But you can make the way that you operate your business demonstrate your genuine intentions. This may mean giving regularly to charity, supporting local events, or offering your products or services to those greatest in need. By giving back to the community that you’re in, you’re demonstrating that you know that you are part of something bigger. And in return, they are more likely to want to support your business. If you grow, they will celebrate alongside you. Obviously, it goes without saying that the intention has to come from a place of wanting to genuinely help. But if you are struggling to feel comfortable thinking commercially about the place you live, then giving back in this way can help. Ask yourself: • What do you currently do for your community? • Are there other avenues that you can explore that would allow you to build closer relationships with your community - For example, in local schools, charities, or sports clubs? If you want something more structured, it is well worth looking into the WORK FOR GOOD platform which allows your business to give charities donations based on pledges. Check them out at www.workforgood.co.uk
