Enterprise Nation

Alison Rothwell is the founder of Arabella Miller, an organic children’s clothes company. She’s happily reeling from two recent profile successes; short-listed in the startups.co.uk Awards and in the ITV Mumpreneur Award. We find out how this former civil servant and Mum of two has hit the business scene with a splash. 

When did you start the business?

I started researching and planning Arabella Miller and test-marketing in 2007, launching the wholesale side in 2008. At first Arabella Miller was an engrossing hobby, but very soon my employment situation changed and it became a full-time job.

What were you doing before becoming your own boss?

I was a civil servant. I wasn't able to return to my job after having my youngest daughter so decided then to develop Arabella Milller into my own business. I was fortunate because I had put so much into my research and planning I was able to convert it into my full-time employment immediately.

Do you think entering and winning Awards is the most effective way to market your business?

I started to enter awards over the last few months and it is an integrated part of my marking activity. Receiving a nomination can generate PR but it can also enhance your trust with potential customers - important if you are an online business. It's a great way to get independent confirmation of how well you are progressing too. I would recommend any business to enter appropriate awards - there's that saying "you have to be in it to win it" and you could be very pleasantly surprised at your success - I certainly was!

How do you get to find about Award programmes?

I regularly research opportunities online - I learnt about the ITV Mumpreneur Award through the networking site www.mumsclub.co.uk.  

Has the profile from being short-listed led to new opportunities?

Right now it's too early to say what the outcomes will be but I am currently enjoying a higher profile and have secured several new items of media coverage which I wouldn't have gained otherwise. I'm hoping that being shortlisted will also expand my contacts, helping me to develop the business to the next stage.

How do the next 6 months look for the business?

Arabella Miller is growing really fast - I started with a range of t-shirts and have just expanded into organic babywear and gift boxes. The next step is to develop the older kids clothing to include some new casualwear items. I have just appointed an agent to represent Arabella Miller in several states in the USA and am negotiating another possibility in Australia, so I'm planning to develop the export wing of the business too.

What is the one thing you most enjoy about growing the business from home?

It has to be the flexibility - I love being able to work when and where I like - the only problem I find is knowing when to stop!

Alison Rothwell talks to Emma Jones

• Arabella Miller