Tales of success
SHAWFORD-BASED business coach Trudy Simmons , who runs the The Daisy Chain Group in Winchester , is publishing a trilogy of inspirational books linked to podcasts .
Trudy , who has more than 20 years ’ experience organising business coaching training plus networking events , has always focused on nurturing communities that support women entrepreneurs . She continued to assist and guide small business owners during the pandemic by moving her meetings and networking events online .
Based on that success she had the idea for a new venture in the summer and asked businesswomen to write a chapter covering ‘ their business story ’, which elicited tremendous interest . She has compiled the first 28 chapters
into ‘ Shine On You Crazy Daisy ’, the first in a series .
Trudy said : “ It is so inspirational to read the amazing stories that were submitted . The enthusiasm of the chapter writers led me to building a podcast out of all the diverse information ; for example , I heard from a woman who joined the Royal Navy at 16 and has moved into health and safety tuition , an engineer who has become a potter , along with people with disabilities who have overcome the odds to build success in their chosen field . This book and the stories prove anyone can do anything they want to do – despite where we may be coming from .”
‘ Shine On You Crazy Daisy ’ is available from Amazon , priced £ 9.99 .
thedaisychaingroup . com
Chairful times ahead …
A
RE YOU sitting comfortably ? If not , are you standing ? Whichever , it is most likely according to personal choice when working , and following a year of intermittent home working , people have opted for comfort .
Originally born and raised in South Africa Mark Dicks , pictured , has grown Izit Design commercial furniture business , which is based at Winnall Valley Road , from early days working with a colleague ‘ in and around the city ’, but retained a commitment to high end product lines . Items are not manufactured in Winchester , but his ability to scale up and down , from his staff to premises , has allowed him to weather a decade of both good and less busy years .
Mark , who has two consultants in his team , and has undertaken fit-outs for the University of Winchester , explained : “ Imagine turning a building upside down and giving it a really good shake ; well everything that has fallen out
or is not nailed down comes under what we supply !”
After employers encouraged staff to get back into the office , Mark is convinced hot desking will continue : “ Traditional companies may be desk bound , but fluid ways of working are required to train and support new team members .”
Mark ’ s found the Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) useful for wide ranging business support , but his expansion since 2019 has been mainly via word-of-mouth recommendations .
“ My plan moving forward is to work with SMEs who simply do not know I ’ m local , as well as residential customers who want to find out about outdoor seating and lighting .”
There ’ s a separate side to his work , he sells hats – having travelled worldwide working in the leather industry for many years , a South African customer sent him a bundle of hats – which sold out instantly at a country show . Whilst Covid prevented attending large outdoor events , his hat business remained steady online because they are practical , stylish , ethically sourced and not throwaway fashion : “ It does surprise me when someone gets in touch to say they remember buying it and it ’ s finally worn out after a decade !”
izitdesign . com / izitleatherhats . com /
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