An unemployed man from Weston Super Mare has
launched his own tailoring business – in just 24 hours.
With the help of employment and skills
specialists Working Links – and a host of partner organisations –
Vaughan Harrison is now his own boss following the launch of In
Stitches, specialising in alterations, repairs and soft
furnishings.
Vaughan, 52, moved to the South West from his
native Burnley, Lancashire, in 2004 and hadn’t been in work since
losing his bar supervisor job last summer.
Although having been employed in various
hospitality and care roles, Vaughan’s passion for fashion came out
after he turned to Working Links for help.
Vaughan successfully launched his new business
– In Stitches – with the help of Working Links and its local
partners over a hectic 24 hours on July 20 and 21.
Alongside the practicalities of setting up a
new business, Vaughan’s business plan, marketing plan, promotional
literature and website were all produced and delivered within the
one-day timeframe at the special event at Bristol’s Colston
Hall.
“It’s been great,” Vaughan said. “I didn’t
really know what to expect but it’s been a fantastic experience and
it’s slowly sinking in that I’m now the owner of my own
business.
“I have one or two clients lined up so I’m on
my way in the business world and hopefully in 12 months time I will
be in a position to employ someone.
“I grew up working for a very well-respected
tailor in the North West and picked up a lot of his skills before
becoming fully-qualified in tailoring as well.
“I did it for a few years before the work ran
dry and I went into the hospitality industry to make a living. I’ve
always missed it and it would be great to get back to doing what I
love.
“There’s a real niche in the market in this
region for my services. When you buy a suit from the high street,
very rarely will it fit perfectly. I can offer a service where –
for just a little extra – you will get perfectly-fitted
clothes.”
The 24 hour project was managed by Darren
Henwood, Working Links’ South West Marketing Manager. He said: “A
lot of people said that it was impossible to fully launch a
business in 24 hours – but we’ve proved that by everyone pulling
together and using their expertise we can do exactly that.
“We’re proving that the tough economic times
are no barrier to launching a new business – we have a tremendous
track record of helping people set up in business and we’ll
continue to work with Vaughan to ensure his new enterprise is a
huge success.”
Design and marketing consultancy Workbrands
worked closely with Vaughan on corporate images and brand identity
while Bristol web development agency Nudge Digital produced a
website for the new business. Film producer Thomas Gasson also
documented the occasion.
Nick Farrar, Director of Workbrands, said:
“The 24 hour business launch has provided a great opportunity to be
involved in such a positive local initiative.
“I think it’s amazing what the team of people have achieved in such
a short time – particularly when you consider it’s the first time
our organisations have worked as a collaboration.
“In reality, although we’ve worked hard over
the last 24 hours, I think we’ve had the easy job. The hard work
starts now with Vaughan getting started and making a success with
In Stitches – with this in mind I’d like to wish him the best of
luck with his new venture.”
One of Vaughan’s key business tools will be
his new website – http://www.institches.org/ – where
he outlines his tailoring and soft furnishings business, which he
will run from home. The website is also home to his top tailoring
tips and webcasts of him doing what he loves best.
Vaughan added: “I have to give big thanks to
everyone involved - without them I would not have been able to it.
It’s a daunting prospect to go for it on your own but there are
people out there willing to help you along the way to make it a lot
easier – Working Links have been superb.”
For more information on Vaughan’s new business, visit
http://www.institches.org/
or contact him at Vaughan@institches.org.