Enterprise Nation

Laura Kemp is certainly making the most of her maternity leave; she’s starting a new home based business. It’s a business that will sell clothing created by the crème de la crème of Northeast designers, including Laura’s brother.

YouTrade winner

Laura Kemp is one of the 36 lucky winners of the YouTrade competition run by the North East Regional Portal. She tells us about her business idea and hopes for the future.

What was the idea you pitched to the YouTrade Judges? 

North East Designers will produce and retail clothing designs from North East designers.

How did you come up with the idea?

My brother has a clothing label, Cardiac Clothing, which is extremely popular, but because he works full time he doesn't really have time to manage it.

What is your day job?

I’m currently on maternity leave from my role as Business Development Manager for Mercedes-Benz.  I’m hoping to run this in the evenings when my daughter is in bed.

Do you produce your product yourself?

I will be arranging the production, but not physically doing it myself.

How do you plan to spend your prize money?

Mainly on software and getting the website up and running.

How are you promoting yourself?

Through Business Link I’m talking with a PR consultant to lay out a PR strategy.  In the meantime I'll be using My Space and Facebook, and Cardiac has an agreement with a local band promoter to sell at their gigs.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to have at least 1 more designer by the end of the year, with the aim of having 5 in 18months time.  I would love to find myself in the position where artists are approaching me to have North East Designers bring their designs to life.

• Laura Kemp 
• North East competition encourages home business