Buckinghamshire retailer embarks on New York trade mission

A High Wycombe based retailer has taken business to another level after embarking on the prestigious ‘Great British Design in New York’ market visit to The Big Apple earlier this year.

SOAK Yourself – which produces all natural bath & body products - participated in the apprentice-style market visit arranged by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) South East, and Norwegian airlines.

Under the theme ‘Great British Design in New York’, SOAK Yourself joined nine other leading small businesses in New York to exhibit at ‘NY NOW’– the leading trade show for home, gift and lifestyle retailers.

Founder & Director of SOAK Yourself, Jackie Hope, said: “As a result of this trip, I now know exactly what is required to launch SOAK Yourself products in the US. We are in a strong position, knowing what preparation is needed for a successful launch in such a diverse market.

“The support of UKTI has been incredible. Physically being in New York, and exploring the market there provided some valuable contacts. Spending a day at the British Consulate listening to seminars, and visiting potential stockists, means I have come away very much fired-up and motivated.

“As a small business owner, exploring overseas markets can be daunting, but travelling as part of a group of businesses is inspiring, and offers unexpected support. I made some fantastic contacts, and have been nurturing these since returning. I’m really excited by the possibilities.

“The natural and organic market has been expanding hugely over the past few years, and our luxury handmade products are based around alleviating stress, using the most natural ingredients.”

The first SOAK Yourself Bath & Body Boutique opened in 2014, and plans to open a second boutique in 2016 are underway.

Local childcare business is honoured at 2016 Festival Supplier Awards

Buckingham-based event childcare company Nipperbout is celebrating after winning Best Support Service at the 2016 Festival Supplier Awards. The company triumphed over strong competition from 13 other businesses shortlisted for the award.

Nipperbout was commended for its outstanding work in the Children’s Fields at the annual Cambridge Folk Festival and The Mayor’s Newham Show, where it provided mobile childcare and children’s activity entertainment to ensure the events were accessible to a younger audience.

Speaking after their win, directors Janthea and Steve Brigden commented: “We were thrilled to accept this award at The Hurlingham Club. Having delivered our unique childcare know-how and customised services to a variety of clients for 21 years, it’s wonderful to be recognised for the work we do.”

Nipperbout is a national provider of mobile childcare and children’s activity entertainment for 0-16 year-olds, delivering event childcare to exhibitions, conferences and festivals. The UK’s only national mobile childcare provider regularly inspected by Ofsted, Nipperbout has achieved an Outstanding grading 10 years in a row.

For more information about Nipperbout and its services visit www.nipperbout.com or follow Nipperbout on twitter @NipperboutLtd.

SD Displays Celebrates over 60 Years in Business

SD Displays are one of the longest standing exhibition suppliers in the UK today, and have been established in the Thames Valley for over 60 years, thanks to the quality of their products and their customer service and flexibility. These standards have ensured a sound customer base, including new and existing users. Indeed, some of their clients have stayed with the company for 10 years.

The business has a family feel to it; David Cooper, the Managing Director and Simon Cooper, Operations Director, are brothers and co-owners and worked for their father, John Cooper, for many years as apprentices.

Simon reflects on his journey at SD Displays: “When I came to work for my father as a young man I was in awe of the big brand names he was working with, including the likes of Black & Decker, ICI Paints, Kelloggs and Dulux. I learned very quickly that in order to make a significant difference in this industry you need to be customer focused, loyal and flexible with your clients’ requirements in order to service their needs.”

For more information on what SD Displays can do for you, call 01628 673 864, email [email protected] or visit www.sd-displays.co.uk.

Afternoon tea for isolated seniors

Home Instead have formed a partnership with two local businesses, The Holiday Inn Aylesbury and The Aylesbury Performing Arts Centre, to provide an afternoon tea event for the isolated elderly in the local area.

They have 25 spaces available for individuals who don’t have the opportunity to go out due to accessibility, isolation or inability to find an appropriate event that meets their needs. The event has been designed to bring people together to socialise and enjoy their time in a safe environment.

Do you know someone that would benefit from this event?

If you would like to nominate individuals who could benefit, please contact Bal Harrington: 07956 361631 /[email protected]. Limited spaces are available.

The event takes place on 17th March 2016, 2pm to 4pm at The Holiday Inn, Aylesbury. Refreshments will be provided along with activities and a live performance.