e-Factor

Thursday, 04 February 2010 16:52

Small Business, Big Dreams

Gallery 352 to help local aspiring retailers get to market

As part of e-factors incubation strategy, a new gift shop within the e-factor centre on 352 Pelham Road, Immingham is to be launched on Monday just in time for Valentines allowing budding entrepreneurs to show off their products. Gallery 352, e-factors retail incubation zone, gives existing and aspiring retailers the opportunity to rent shelf-space in a professional retail environment to get to market.

William Harty, e-factor’s Business Development manager, explains:

“Whenever you’re starting a business no matter how much you believe in your idea there is always a risk. Gallery 352 serves as a launching pad for new retailers to trial their ideas at low risk within a supportive environment.”

Selling a wide variety of local handmade products including glass sculptures, jewellery, gift cards, cuddly toys, artwork and kitchenware, Gallery 352 is set to create a new and unique shopping experience.

“We have some really unique and special items that you won’t find down the high street,” William continued, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase emerging talent from the area and to support local retailers in the early stages.”

It is hoped Gallery 352 will create an avenue for aspiring retailers to turn what might be a pastime into a new enterprise that could, over time, form a sustainable business in new retail outlets.

Stevie-Lyn Hodson (19) who has taken shelf space for her brand of handmade jewellery and is currently studying Law at Lincoln University said:

“I think it is a fantastic opportunity for people like me to get started in a real retail environment, especially whilst at university. I really hope it takes off.”

The event which is set to take place at the e-factor centre on 352 Pelham Road from 3pm is a joint celebration with the official opening of Oasis Academy’s brand new Hair and Beauty Training Centre which will enable students to gain vocational qualifications and training of the highest standard.

The e-factor centre, which hosts both new ventures, also provides numerous retail, workshop, and light industrial units on easy-in, easy-out terms, ideal for any start-up business. Based on-site are e-factors enterprise advisors, who offer support, advice and guidance to all businesses based at the centre.

e-factor managing director Mark Webb commented:

"Sustainability and community are at the heart of this project and we are delighted to be opening the Gallery 352 alongside Oasis Academy. We encourage everyone to come down and support the opening of these ventures.”

Download the Small Business, Big Dreams Press Release