A Bridgend body, bath and home products shop Fizzy Foam has benefited from invaluable mentoring support and guidance provided by the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service to encourage growth and increase brand awareness.
Dave Easterbrooke, a full-time DJ on Bridge FM and founder of Fizzy Foam, first came up with the idea of Fizzy Foam in 2012 while having a family-run stall for two days at the “Love your Market” month in the indoor market in Bridgend, South Wales. This encouraged him to put together a business plan and apply for his own small stall.
After only six months of trading, Dave and his family decided they needed a larger stall in order to grow further and be able to provide a wider range of products.
Dave commented: “We appreciated the fact that the market was an ideal place to start our business and raise brand awareness, but having our own shop on the high street would help us overcome a number of logistical and development challenges.”
This led to Fizzy Foam securing their own premises in Bridgend town centre allowing them to focus on reviewing and improving their product range, supply chain and distribution channels. Since launching, Fizzy Foam’s product range has expanded to include Bomb Cosmetics, Root Candles, Boozi Bodycare and handmade Welsh gifts, among others.
When Dave first contacted Business Wales, he was introduced to a business adviser and was subsequently matched with a mentor who has supported Fizzy Foam with regular business and marketing reviews. The business has also benefitted from guidance on turnover projections and planning, sales targets and product range reviews.
Thanks to Business Wales’ support, Fizzy Foam has also attended a range of events, including student and craft fayres, in order to raise brand awareness and build client relationships.
Speaking about the support they received, Dave said: “Business Wales were great in helping us get our brand out there. The ongoing support we receive has proved invaluable for our business and we are extremely proud of what we have achieved.”
Currently, Fizzy Foam are planning for future growth by exploring new target markets and opportunities with hotels and suppliers of small wedding hampers and pamper day baskets.
Fizzy Foam’s top tips for every entrepreneur starting their own business are:
- Get in touch with Business Wales! The help and support are invaluable
- Plan, prepare and stick to your business structure
- Make sure your objectives are SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-related
- Just do it! Don’t overthink it!
- Stay positive
Business Wales, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government,supports the sustainable growth of small and medium size enterprises across the country by offering access to information, guidance and business support.
To find out how Business Wales can help start or develop your business, call 03000 6 03000, follow @_businesswales or @_busnescymru
