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MumsClub Name: anned
Real Name: Anne Daly
Age (or age range): 49
Children’s ages: 17
Business Name:Go Green Bags
Business Contact: anne@gogreenbags.co.uk
What are the key features of the products or services that your business offers:
Environmentally friendly, reusable, recyclabe bags
Why should customers and clients use your services?
We are not just a bag company -We practice social responsibility in all that we do and help our clients educate their customers and plan campaigns. We also uniquely provide courses on setting up eco projects and raising funds.
When & how did you start up in business?
The business was first started in 2006 by John Freeth, the Bagman, and became a limited company when I joined with another colleague in May 2008. It has been since then that we have focused on becoming a major player in our Industry and our plans are just beginning to fall into place.
How did you decide what business to go into, and what was your motivation?
I had met John at a networking event with another business of mine and loved the idea so much I offered to help him market the product and introduce him to my connections. I started retailing the bags alongside my other products and gradually became more deeply involved.I have agood instinct for business and I could see that this was a real winner.And it could be run as a CSR( Corporate Social Responsibilty)-something that is very important to me.
What has been your biggest business achievement?
Reaching the semi finals of the Barclays Green Leaders in Business awards, where we were up against companies far bigger than us - an intensive vetting procedure, which confirmed that we are doing things the right way.
Have, or do you do anything out of the ordinary to benefit your business?
Running fundraising workshops and helping charities and schools look for funds available for eco projects.
What stage is your business at now & what are your plans for the future?
We're through the start up phase and ready for a major step up to the next level.Means adding infrastructure and processes so that will be the next challenge.
How do you manage to juggle your business with family life? Has it been challenging?
One of the reasons I decided to throw myself wholeheartedly into this business was the major change about to take place in my family life. I am a single parent with one child and up until 2002 I had a very stressful full time City job and juggling childcare had been a way of life for 10 years. After taking redundancy, I decided to work from home to be with my daughter more through the difficult exam years. This has worked really well and she has been really involved in my businesses too.This year she will be off to University and I am seriously worried about Empty nest syndrome so thought a major new challenge would be just the thing to fill the gap.
Has online networking, specifically with other mums, benefited your business?
I find online networking with other Mums really gives me the social element that I miss by not working in a large office. I like to hear how others are juggling their lives and offer advice from my own experience. I have had some interest in my products too and have had some direct business.
What resources do you NOT have now that might make your life easier?
Admin staff - but that will come.
What advice would you give another mum considering starting her own business?
Make sure you check out your market -both demand for the product/service and the competition. Be prepared to spend a lot more time than you originally anticipated building your business - so make sure it's something that you really enjoy.
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