Case Studies

I Do Cumbria Wedding Hire

I Do Cumbria Wedding Hire provides accessories for the perfect wedding, from chair covers and sashes to bunting, birdcages, centre pieces and wishing trees.

Owner Jane Donaldson said: “The idea for a ‘one stop shop’ came after my daughter got married. We did research and started looking at what help was available for start-ups, and I got in touch with the Growth Hub and went on BSUS.

I Do Cumbria Wedding Hire

“At the first meeting with my adviser, Justine Douglas, we started to make a plan about how the business could grow and what steps I needed to take.

“She acted as a sounding board and she’s been very good at picking things up and giving me ideas. She also put me on a three-day business start-up course.

The Growth Hub has been extremely helpful and has given me confidence to grow the business.

“We began to look at marketing material and Justine identified that was an area where I needed specialist help, so she referred me to a specialist.”

The business’ first months have exceeded expectations, and it has been featured in wedding blog Brides Up North.

Jane said: “We have 30 weddings this year and we’ve got reservations as far ahead as 2019. We’re now looking to evolve, adding a wedding planning service and co-ordinating on the day.”