One of the main aims of the Shropshire Growth Hub is to provide help to individuals looking to take that first big step and start their own business!

The start-up programme is delivered on their behalf by Good2Great who have had great success for more than 10 years providing support and guidance to numerous start-ups across the county.

One of their latest successes is Running Wild Pottery, a new ceramics business in Shropshire.

Nina Finch, who lives near Ludlow, launched the business after discovering her love for the craft during lockdown.

She has spent over 23 years in the public and private sector but her passion for pottery has meant that she has transformed her hobby into a thriving business.

“I spent most of lockdown teaching myself throwing and other ceramic techniques,” explained Nina, who has recently attended a course for new entrepreneurs run by award-winning business consultants Good2Great, based in Bridgnorth, and she has received individual support from an advisor.

“I make bespoke ceramic items including mugs, vases, candle holders. My customers are looking for the special and unique – something you won’t find in a main chain store and is truly one of a kind.”

Nina also offers pottery experience sessions in people’s homes and exhibits at shows and events around the county.
She said that the start up programme run by Good2Great funded by the Shropshire Growth Hub had helped her to build the strong foundations her business needed to be successful.

“The advice, mentoring and support I’ve received, not only from them, but also the many other small businesses they work with has been invaluable. It’s given me the confidence to put myself, and my business out there, within such a short space of time I’m starting to see it paying off.

“I’ve connected with so many other fantastic artists which simply wouldn’t have happened without Good2Great. I’m so positive about the future and my ability to continue building my business and being able to do this full time – exciting times ahead!’

Emma Chapman, Shropshire Growth Hub manager said,

“ We have worked hard to bring together a group of first class partners, businesses and advisors who deliver support in all aspects of starting and growing a business. As part of the Economic Growth team at Shropshire Council it is always great to hear about another new business that has started in the county through one of our programmes.”

Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said,

“This is one of our many business support programmes. Our small businesses are the life blood of our county, and we are glad that the support we provide is working so successfully. It is a tribute to everyone involved in delivering programmes of this kind”.

Bridgnorth-based Good2Great are running the business start-up courses on over the next 12 months.

Once completed, people can access up to four one-to-one support sessions with their experienced business advisors, all of whom have a range of expertise.

Eligible businesses may also be able to access a match-funded grant to support with start-up costs.

Anyone interested in joining the programme should contact Tamsin Preece on 01746 330730, tamsin@good-2-great.co.uk

Anyone interested in finding out what other services the Shropshire Growth Hub can provide should visit https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/relocating-and-investing/business-support/ or call 01743 250526