A Derbyshire entrepreneur who set up her own jewellery business has hailed the free support and advice she received to help get her venture off the ground.
Matlock-born Roseanna Croft founded her bespoke jewellery business in Bakewell after moving back to the county from Australia, where she gained valuable experience in the jewellery industry.
However, she initially struggled to make new business contacts and turned to Derbyshire Dales Business Advice, which provides free face-to-face support for businesses in the area that are looking to grow.
READ MORE: {}
Part of the D2N2 LEP Growth Hub, the service is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Derbyshire Dales District Council.
In Roseanna’s case, the service put her in touch with professional business adviser Heather Bradford.
Roseanna said: “I knew I wanted to base my business in Bakewell because it is such an attractive town but I didn’t have many local business contacts.
“Heather’s advice was invaluable to me in establishing myself in the Derbyshire Dales business community, networking and marketing.”
Roseanna, who trained in jewellery design and manufacture in Manchester, had previously won support from NatWest’s Entrepreneur Accelerator programme and also the Prince’s Trust, for whom she is now an ambassador.
Most Read
She uses social media, digital marketing and her www.roseannacroftjewellery.com website to spread the news about her services but says nearly all of her business now comes from word-of-mouth recommendations.
East Midlands business news
From her studio in Buxton Road she carries out a lot of bespoke work, redesigning pieces which are often of sentimental value or invoke special memories.
She also shares the secrets of making bespoke jewellery by running luxury ‘design experience’ workshops, enabling clients to take home a piece they have helped to design.
Her latest venture is the launch of a new range called ‘Love Me’, which features a ring design made in platinum, silver and 18 carat rose, white and yellow gold.