Simon discusses starting his Fairtrade drinks brand  and how he got stocked in major retailers

Small business tips from Simon Coley, founder of Karma Cola

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Every week, Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones MBE speaks to entrepreneurs and experts about starting and growing a successful business.

, discusses his Fairtrade drinks brand which gives part of the proceeds from each bottle to organic cane sugar and real cola nut farmers in Sierra Leone.

He also explains how he got stocked in major restaurant chains and retailers.

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The Small Business Sessions podcast

The Small Business Sessions (S2E2): Changing lives and getting stocked by big retailers

Karma Cola co-founder Simon Coley discusses his Fairtrade drinks brand and how it donates part of its proceeds.

When someone tells you “oh wow, things must be going SO well in your business” – does a part of you wish they knew how lost you sometimes feel?
 
I know how hard you work, how badly you want to succeed, how much you believe in the potential of your business, and how much progress you’ve already made.
 
But at some point – between juggling orders, suppliers and the relentless need to keep up on social media, you’ve begun to feel overwhelmed. And financially, you may be wondering when you’ll get the chance to pay yourself a decent salary or hire in enough help.
My name is Catherine Erdly and I have over 20 years experience working with product businesses of all sizes from high street names (such as Laura Ashley, Coast and Paperchase), all the way down to brand new businesses with just a handful of customers.
 
I have helped these businesses get more organised and make more money.
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Now I want to help you do the same so that you feel clearer, re-energised and confident enough to take your business to the next level.
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If you’ve been looking for some help with your business, and you’d like a trusted expert to work with you to:
 
- Outline what your options are to make your business a success long term 
- Make the most of your time 
- Manage your money 
- Support you with a new project – like a pop-up shop or wholesale 
- Give you the confidence to grow as a founder and business owner 
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Then get in touch now, and let’s talk.

Founder

Lunch and Learn: Retail revolution – take control of your sales strategy

Discover tactics to help you attract more customers, grow revenue and improve your profits.

Experienced in person trainer who pivoted during the pandemic to manage and deliver e-learning training for Enterprise Nation. 

Next Generation: Food industry

A group for all Next Generation participants. Join other likeminded entrepreneurs and trainers to learn how to stick to weekly goals and be held accountable for your business! If you’re not part of the Next Generation Bootcamp but would like to connect with like-minded business owners in the food sector, don’t worry, there’s a group for you too!

With 15 years of industry expertise in buying for renowned UK brands like ASOS and Allsaints, Natalie Binns is a true authority in the field of sustainable fashion. Having gained invaluable experience in global markets, she witnessed the damaging and exploitative practices within the industry, fueling her desire to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
Inspired to make a difference, Natalie established a consultancy that brings big brand thinking to small brands, igniting their launch and growth while driving sales and profit, all with sustainability at the core. From design to delivery to store, Natalie supports businesses throughout the entire product life cycle.
Natalie&apos;s passion and innovative approach have earned her recognition as a respected thought leader in sustainable fashion. She has made notable appearances on BBC Radio 4, Woman&apos;s Hour, Metro.co.uk, BBC Business, Hello! Magazine, and Drapers Sustainability Conference. Additionally, Natalie shares her knowledge by lecturing at the University of Westminster.
When it comes to sustainable fashion, Natalie Binns is the expert you need by your side to revolutionise your brand and make a lasting impact.
Get help with:
<ul>
<li>Sourcing - including UK manufacturers and sustainable fabrics with low MOQ</li>
<li>Brand Strategy - Identifying your target customer, market and brand values</li>
<li>Managing production and setting up a critical path with realistic timelines so your deliveries will be on time</li>
<li>Cost price negotiation and improving target margin</li>
<li>Range building, encouraging multi purchases, increasing basket value, capitalising on bestsellers, lowering risk</li>
<li>Improving lead times</li>
<li>Design direction and product development - sample shopping, inspiration gathering, cost engineering</li>
<li>Competitor analysis and market research</li>
<li>Sustainability strategy, training and implementation</li>
<li>Preparing to wholesale</li>
</ul>

Sustainable Fashion Brand Consultant

Clarity Call

The clarity call consists of a one hour online call where I will draw on my 18 years in industry to help you with your business. We can talk about any topic that relates to running a fashion brand, here are a few suggestions:

- Clarity on your business idea

- Getting ready for wholesale

- How to make your business more sustainable

- Review of your range

- How to improve lead times

- Analysing sales

After the call you will receive a write up of what we discussed including any links I&apos;

I am an interior designer and homeware buyer with years of experience in the interiors sector.
I&apos;ve lived and worked in Dubai for many years, both as an interior designer and homeware buyer. Whilst there, I worked on the launch of several high end furniture showrooms and the stand-alone home store of the first Bloomingdale&apos;s department store outside of the US. I loved my time in Dubai and gained a huge amount of valuable experience.
Upon returning to the UK, I set up an online homeware boutique, for which I sourced handmade items from around the world. This was also a wonderful experience and taught me so much about the world of online retail and marketing.
I now work as a purchasing and product development manager for an independent interior design company, a job which I really enjoy.
I would now like to help small creative businesses to establish their online presence, and can use all the experience I have gained to help with brand positioning, product selection, pricing, website feedback, marketing strategies and more.

Interior Designer and Homeware Buyer 

Nicole Antar

I am an interior designer and homeware buyer with years of experience in the interiors sector.
I&apos;ve lived and worked in Dubai for many years, both as an interior designer and homeware buyer. Whilst there, I worked on the launch of several high end furniture showrooms and the stand-alone home store of the first Bloomingdale&apos;s department store outside of the US. I loved my time in Dubai and gained a huge amount of valuable experience.
Upon returning to the UK, I set up a

The Small Business Sessions (S2E2): Changing lives and getting stocked by big retailers

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