Laura Bacon: Enterprising Ashfield
Laura owns Flowers by Lesley (soon to be known as FlowerLife) a florist based on Outram Street in Sutton-in-Ashfield, and has attended one of the free courses offered by the Enterprising Ashfield project.
Enterprising Ashfield is being delivered by NTU in partnership with Ashfield District Council and is part funded by the Government's Town Fund. The project provides support to enhance business productivity and improve the skills of local residents and employees in the Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield areas.
Laura Bacon, Enterprising Ashfield skills course attendee
I knew absolutely nothing about websites and was a bit overwhelmed by the thought of it. I couldn’t afford to have someone create a website for me so I was very happy when I heard about this course.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your business?
My name is Laura Bacon and I am a third generation florist. I have been a florist for over 20 years as well as being a tutor. I bought Flowers by Lesley in January 2023 which has been part of Sutton Town Centre for almost 40 years.
Which course did you chose to do and what did you hope to get out of it?
I attended the Website Design for Small Businesses course as I wanted to be able to create a website for the business that included an online shop.
Were there any challenges you were facing going into the course?
I knew absolutely nothing about websites and was a bit overwhelmed by the thought of it. I couldn't afford to have someone create a website for me so I was very happy when I heard about this course.
How has the course benefitted you/your business?
It has saved me a few thousand pounds in having to get someone to build a website for me. It has made me create the policies and terms and conditions for the shop, which needed doing. It has also made me review the prices and costings of all the products so I know they are correct before they go live on the website. It has been the kick I needed to get organised. I am sure that having this website will generate another income stream for the business.
Would you recommend the courses and Enterprising Ashfield to other people?
I already have! One of my staff is doing the Visual Merchandising for Retail Spaces course and another is going to do the Social Media and Content Creation for Businesses course.
The course has been a brilliant, stress-free process. From the representative popping in (he was friendly and informative) to booking and attending the course. The lady who sorts out the bookings was very helpful and it is nice to be able to email her directly with any queries. The course itself was excellent and the tutor was very informative.
How to access the support available
If you are interested in the Enterprising Ashfield project, contact the team at enterprisingashfield@ntu.ac.uk.