A fledgling company’s vintage-inspired designs are bringing a unique range of memorabilia to market to celebrate and commemorate the gift of new life.
Finalist in the 2015 SPARK Business competition, run by Stockport Council owned Stockport Business and Innovation Centre (SBIC), Bessie & Flo is aiming to make its mark on the UK’s £6 billion gift market with their gift range, including ceramics, jewellery and stationery with a vintage flavour, and has already secured a partnership with established ceramics company Hudson & Middleton.
Founder Angela Lock (left) hopes her 20 years’ experience as a designer and her unique vintage designs will catch the public’s imagination:
“I have four children and have many friends with children and I always struggle for gifts that are beautifully designed. I’m sure that the gifts that Bessie & Flo offer will be treasured forever – heirlooms of the future.”
Many families suffer pain and anguish before they experience the joy of having a baby; once a website is in place, Angela is hoping to create a forum for families to share their experiences of their much longed for baby.
She says:
“Once a month I will nominate a family to receive a Bessie & Flo gift bag and a rainbow brooch to celebrate their ‘rainbow baby’ – a baby born after a stillbirth or miscarriage.”
The winner of the 2015 Spark Business competition …
… will be given a package of support worth £15,000, including a year’s free office space at SBIC, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, to ensure the business can have the best of starts from a solid platform.
Angela concluded:
“My business would benefit hugely from all of the expertise on offer. The office space would be life changing, as I am currently working in the corner of a room in my house.”
You can visit Bessie & Flo at www.facebook.com/www.bessieandflo.co.uk. The winner of the Spark Business competition will be announced at a gala evening on June 23rd.