Larkswold, Cotswolds
Melinda Nicholds-Brown and Emma Birch
Larkswold, a unique gift experience business offering creative workshops in the Cotswolds, was founded by Melinda and Emma during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Neither had previously run a business, and while they brought different skills - Melinda in leadership, and Emma in creative industries - they were seeking guidance to scale their venture. In late 2023, they came across Get Ready for Business Growth via social media, and it felt like the right opportunity to move the business forward.
“The application process itself helped us gain focus. It made us reflect on our turnover and goals, giving us a sense of pride and direction.”
Larkswold faced significant challenges as it emerged from the pandemic. Melinda and Emma needed guidance on strategy and growth and the programme offered a way to reassess their business model and focus on the next steps.
Melinda and Emma found the Strategy stream (both workshops and one-to-one sessions) especially impactful. It helped them understand where to focus their efforts, particularly by highlighting the value of corporate events. Previously Larkswold had less experience of corporate workshops than private, but the sessions helped them recognise this under-explored area as a key to potential growth.
"We realised corporate events could bring in good money with less effort compared to daily workshops. Now, our goal is two corporate events a week, which has transformed how we approach growth."
The Finance stream had a similar impact. Working with an expert gave Melinda and Emma the confidence to set financial goals, including a target of £300k annual turnover. They also streamlined their financial processes and reassessed their accounting needs. The Innovation sessions helped refine their value proposition, refocusing them on the customer experience and solving clients’ problems, and the Marketing stream was a good opportunity for consolidation, affirming much of their current direction and reminding them of the importance of their own platforms over social media.
“It was a good reminder that we own our website and blog, while social media isn’t in our control. The marketing session showed us the importance of starting with our own content.”
The programme’s research support was invaluable. The tailored market research report provided by Amy from the British Library identified local companies with the potential for corporate spending, which allowed Larkswold to target these businesses for team-building events without cold calling.
Get Ready for Business Growth helped Melinda and Emma shift their focus, streamline their finances, tap into new growth opportunities and open new revenue streams, particularly in the corporate sector. They have strengthened their marketing strategy and participation has boosted their confidence as business owners.
“The support we received helped us grow, not just in terms of revenue but as leaders. We’re now better positioned to scale Larkswold and support our local community.”
On a personal level, the programme gave Melinda and Emma a boost in confidence and energy. They found the support system foster by a cohort of creative businesses empowering, providing new ideas, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to pursue bold decisions.
Mentoring: Melinda also became a mentor as part of Get Ready for Business Growth Mentoring and was matched with mentee Cosy Craft Club. The relationship was a two-way exchange, helping Cosy Craft Club focus on its goals while reinforcing Larkswold’s own achievements and hard work.