Innovative businesses thrive in Nottingham’s creative climate
13 November 2008
Daniel Hanson and Simeon Hartwig
- Its easy to set up a business – the hardest thing is to keep it going. Maintaining a business is the most difficult thing for an entrepreneur.
- Continual hard work and worrying about money is part of running your own business!!
- There can be a conflict in being creative and running a business; the most important thing is to recognise your weaknesses and bring in people who are the opposite of you and have different skills. You can’t do it all on your own.
- One of the greatest feelings is seeing someone in the street wearing something you have designed.
- You have to have a passion for what you do and a vision as to where you want to be in future.
- Use the help and support networks available. Having a mentor is invaluable.
- Nottingham has a raw cutting edge which gives it a buzz and makes it a great place for fashion designers.
- Know when to say "no". People will respect you for being prepared to say "no" and holding your ground. Don’t get manipulated by buyers. Build a relationship with them and find out what they are looking for.
- The longer you are in business the more your confidence builds. You become more savvy.
- There are so many competitors you must differentiate your product. Your designs must have a DNA – something that is unique to your garment so that people instantly know it is one of your products. You have to make your products special.
- MYspace generation – getting people in the media eye to wear your products is important for a young designer.
- Businesses are about ideas, products and people.
- Fashion is a "lipstick" superficial industry where people come and go. Ignore public profile. The most important thing is to build a solid reputation over a number of years within the fashion sector based on both the quality of your products and your personal integrity.