Gisella Boutique
NETWORKING CULTURES 71
Gisella Boutique
The London Manufacturing Advisory Service
Jan agrees,“ We marketed ourselves for the BME market and promoted the bridal side of the clothing however we both knew that we could do far more.”
Using the vast network of London MAS contacts
Grant was able to put Gisella in touch with Yvonne
LMAS is a DTI initiative, supported in the capital by the London Development Agency. It provides straightforward advice and practical support to improve manufacturing competitiveness.
It is delivered by EEF South, the Regional Centre of Manufacturing Excellence, with the support of the PERA, the innovation company. The London MAS aims to help manufacturers operate more effectively, design better products, create high performing individuals, teams and organisations and help manufacturers better promote themselves to new and existing markets.
Fulch’ s who runs‘ The Branding Workshop’. She is a business advisor with a long career in both the creative and the fashion world.
Says Yvonne,“ I performed a full scale holistic business review in order to identify not only what needs to be improved in the business but also the personalities s of the owners and the direction in which they see their business and personal lives growing.
“ Gisella wants to be able to exploit her seamstress talent and her daughter Jan’ s ability to style people. Working together Grant and Yvonne decided to review the costing of the products and services, the PR aspect of the business and the location of the shop.”
Says Grant,“ There needed to be a cost increase in keeping with the retail market. We also hired a PR company who specialises in retail PR. One problem which was really holding them back was their location and size of the shop. The location meant that the business had no room to expand and the location on Peckham high road was providing very little foot fall. The press were put off covering a business located so remotely.
“ We performed a review and identified that the best place for the new boutique would be the Kings Road, Porchester Street or Connaught Street. The move will happen as soon as a suitable site is found.
“ Another area for improvement and change was the Website; we have now added a style consultation service which utilises Janet’ s skills.”
Says Jan,“ The input of the London MAS has inspired us to undertake an in depth analysis of our product, level of service, client database and market. We are currently drawing upon this data as a means towards developing a long term growth, investment and business expansion plan.”
“ Grant and Yvonne were able to enable us to see the company from a different perspective and to make some much needed positive changes.
Their intuition and specific experience with creative industries such as ours has made them very receptive to understanding some of the challenges we face in our business. Both Grant and Yvonne have appeared dedicated enthusiastic and committed in their approach to working with us and we hope that this new input will assist us towards out hopes for future business growth.”
ISSUE FOUR 2007 engage | uk