Welsh female-run removal, courier and ‘handyman’ service, She Moves, is on the road to success, having set up with support from enterprise specialists Business in Focus.
She Moves was established in 2017 by Donna Evans, from Pontypridd, who saw a gap in the market for a ‘woman and van’ service to help private and commercial customers move home, transport awkward items, or courier precious cargo and to carry out simple household repairs.
Donna says the business is already gaining traction, thanks to her identifying a niche in the market, and thanks to excellent word of mouth from her happy customers. Receiving professional support in its initial stages, and a Start Up Loan arranged via Business in Focus, helped She Moves get up to speed.
“She Moves is a ‘woman and van’ service and as far as I’m aware it is the first in Wales. We transport everything from single items all the way up to full house moves, commercial moves and waste removal as part of the service we offer. The idea for the business came to me because I found myself in the predicament of having to hire a van for work purposes when my employer cut my days back so I had to think of a way to utilise the van. I thought I could pick up single items for people and it evolved into full house moves.
“As well as the straightforward woman and van service, She Moves offers a full packing and dismantling service and I was aware that some people might feel more comfortable having a woman in their home, carrying out this service. A lot of the feedback I have had since I set up She Moves does show me that many women appreciate the extra sense of security this gives them.
“When I was in the initial stages of setting up She Moves I didn’t have any funding, so I carried out some research and found Business in Focus, an enterprise support organisation. They are Wales-based and just down the road from me so it was ideal.”
The Business in Focus team talked Donna through the process carefully, helped her carry out meaningful research into the marketplace she was entering and helped her put the foundations in place to get She Moves off to a stable start.
“I set up an interview with Business in Focus, they told me about Start Up Loans and explained to me that I would have to create a business plan. They took my idea on board, gave me information about what kind of competition I was up against and they ran through the whole process of applying for a loan. Starting a business can be daunting and it isn’t just about having a great idea, it is about getting the structure in place, which is something Business in Focus really helped with.
“I would encourage people who have a good business idea to be bold, seek support from professionals and make sure your costs are calculated correctly. Stay focussed and don’t shy away from the idea if it is traditionally more of a male dominated role because females are just as capable – and in many industries and avenues being a woman can be a unique selling point.”
Already operating across Gwent, South, Mid and West Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire, this time next year Donna is hoping to take on two new employees and to expand into new geographical areas.
Matthew Roberts, a Business Advisor with Business in Focus, which has offices in Bridgend and throughout South Wales, says: “I’m delighted we were able to help Donna get her fledgling business off to a good start and it is great to see She Moves thriving. As Donna has found, having a unique idea and the drive to achieve success is invaluable, but it is vital too that entrepreneurs get sound professional support to help put the right structure in place. As Donna’s Business Advisor, I can also provide mentoring support during the early stages of her business to really support her journey.”
Business in Focus can provide assistance with funding options, a business plan, business forecasting, market research, legal compliances and insurance, even offering premises – all the necessary foundations that can make the difference between success and failure for a start-up.
For more details about She Moves go to: www.shemoves.uk/ and see Donna in Action here: http://bit.ly/2EsBZL3
For more details about the enterprise support services provided by Business in Focus, go to: www.businessinfocus.co.uk/en/home
