A PLYMOUTH couple have started a business producing graffiti and illustration and, appropriately for a week containing Valentine’s day, it was born from love.

Anna and Roy Christie studied graphics together at Plymouth College of Art and Design, as it was then known, 18 years ago.

But they led separate lives until meeting up again at the newly named Plymouth College of Art in 2007, when Mrs Christie was exhibiting her work from an illustration and design print degree.

The couple married last year and have now decided to launch a joint venture called Love What We Do – because they also love their work.

The Stoke-based enterprise produces innovative graffiti artwork for businesses and homes, such as signs, interiors, and shop fronts.

And it provides illustration for children’s books, character design, murals, cards, pamphlets, portraits and personalised invitations for birthdays and weddings.

Mr and Mrs Christie said their ideas can help “create visual impact” for start-up businesses keen to make an immediate impact, and those whose identities need a facelift.

They see their work is particularly suitable for tattoo studios, hair and beauty salons, bars, cafes, schools and community centres, organisations involving young people or animals – they even get requests to decorate children’s bedrooms and playrooms.

The business was created after the couple enrolled on a course with start-up organisation Outset Plymouth, last year.

“They gave us the confidence to go for it,” said Mrs Christie.

Mr Christie has built a reputation as a graffiti artist during the past 25 years, having worked in London and Bristol, as well as Plymouth.

Among projects he has been involved in was a Plymouth City Council-backed scheme allowing youngsters to paint on building site hoardings and he is keen to banish any “misconceptions” about graffiti artists, who work legally and don’t vandalise.

“There’s a cultural statement here,” he said. “Every decent-sized park should have a purpose-built wall they (artists) can go to. That’s the link that’s missing, something that can gel traditional culture and youth culture.”

Mrs Christie added: “We are behind the times. There is a negative view of graffiti. In London, Bristol and Brighton they embrace it. It brings money into the city.”

Mr Christie’s work is already visible around Plymouth, for instance at Stoke’s Blockhouse Park, and Ivybridge’s Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, and he said: “I have done just about every tattoo shop, apart from a couple, in the city.”

The artists have also received support from city businessmen including Nick Marker, of skateboard shop Prime Delux; Jerry Eunson, of the Millbridge Inn and The Firkin Doghouse pubs; Steve Smith from the Fortesque and carpet magnate Larry Spear.

Mrs Christie said she is planning to pitch in with the graffiti work, and added: “I want to get more into that, but I have the illustration on the side.

“And I have written a couple of children’s books I want to get published. I have been asked to illustrate a couple of children’s books.

“I did our wedding invites. Everyone commented on them and people have now asked for wedding invites. I’m also doing portraits.

“Colourful play areas for schools would be another good thing we could do and something we are going to try and get into.”

Mr Christie said the business is also looking at branching into merchandise, such as T-shirts, and “maybe some prints”.

Mrs Christie said the long-term ambition would be a gallery.

“We will have to see how it goes,” she said. “If you can make a living from doing something you love you are lucky.

“But we want other people to love what we do as well – making money is second.”

A PLYMOUTH call centre is to close with the potential loss of 51 jobs.

National window firm Everest is blaming the internet for its decision to axe its operation in St Andrew’s Street, off Notte Street.

Everest said it is considering whether any workers can be employed elsewhere in the company.

But a consultation has begun with all staff and today a “rapid response unit” from Jobcentre Plus and business start-up organisation Outset Plymouth is due to meet workers.

Marcus Lamont, head of human resources at Everest, said: “We can confirm that we have today informed employees in our Plymouth telemarketing centre of our proposal to close the office.

“As a result, the company has entered into a consultation period with the 51 employees based there.

“This proposal is a result of a very competitive marketplace and the fact that more and more customers look for information online.

“It is no reflection on the ability of the staff at the centre and we regret that we have had to make this decision.

“During the consultation period, which is expected to last over 30 days, we will examine the possibility of staff taking on alternative roles with the company in other locations.

“All the staff will have our full support throughout the process.”

 

A COMPETITION has been launched for Plymouth businesses with the chance to win £1,000-worth of public relations.

Fireproof PR has opened a competition along with Outset Plymouth, to all Outset Plymouth and Outset Finance clients as well as Enterprising Women members.

Entrants need to write a press release of no more than 100 words about them or their business and a judging panel will shortlist the best.

Emma Taynton-Young, of Fireproof PR, said: “We will be looking for originality of the story, the angle used to sell the story, use of headline and tone of voice, creativity, whether they have used external sources and research.”

The top prize is £1,000-worth of communications and marketing from Fireproof PR to include a marketing plan and review and business cards or leaflets.

The top six will be called to present themselves and their story to the panel to tell why their story is the most newsworthy.

The judging panel will include representatives form Outset Plymouth, Fireproof PR, Radio Plymouth and The Herald.

The competition closes on February 17 and those shortlisted will be recalled on February 27 or 28.

Full details will be on the Outset Plymouth website and the Fireproof PR Facebook page.

Entrants should send their press releases to spark@fireproofpr.com.

START-UP organisation Outset Plymouth has joined the list of sponsors for this year’s Herald Business Awards – and is backing a new category.

The £1.2million-funded programme, designed to help people into self-employment, is backing the Spirit of Enterprise section alongside its parent company, the business support consultancy YTKO.

This new award will go to an individual who has overcome hurdles or setbacks, be they due to language, education, mental or physical health, disability or long term unemployment.

But the winner, who will be announced at a black-tie event on Thursday, April 12, at the Holiday Inn, will have shown determination, courage and perseverance in continuing to pursue their dream of running their own business.

Outset Plymouth marketing executive Kevin Kelway said: “Overcoming hurdles to succeed in business is the driving force behind Outset Plymouth/YTKO’s sponsorship of this year’s awards.

“The Spirit of Enterprise category is open to all micro and small businesses to apply, and applicants need to write in 100 words why they should be considered for the award.”

It is the second year Outset Plymouth/YTKO has sponsored the awards, after last year backing the Entrepreneur of the Year category.

Outset Plymouth and its sister organisation Outset Finance are funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Plymouth City Council.

They started in March 2010 with the aim of supporting under-represented groups around the city to start their own businesses.

Outset offers free, one-to-one support, mentoring, workshop sessions, extra support seminars, networking opportunities through its Wednesday Club events, and works from various locations across the city.

“In 18 months Outset Plymouth and Finance have helped support 85 new business start ups, with the creation of more than 90 jobs, adding real value to the Plymouth economy,” said Mr Kelway.

Outset Finance has helped secure £300,000 for new and existing businesses declined funding from main stream funding organisations.

YTKO is a national company, based in Cambridge, that works with UK businesses providing support and skills development through the creation of sustainable jobs, and headed by its chief executive, Enterprising Women champion Bev Hurley.

A BUSINESS providing personalised eating plans and dietary advice has been set up in Plymouth.

Elite Nutrition and Health celebrated its launch at an event staged at Tamar Science Park and attended by Lord Mayor Peter Brookshaw.

The event included information sessions, demonstrations, presentations, and refreshments, aimed at showing business leaders “nutrition and health can make a difference in the workplace”.

Elite Nutrition is a dietetic consultancy, based in Plympton, which aims to “dispel common myths about food”, and show how easy it can be to eat well and feel great.

It is run by women entrepreneurs Kirsty Lewis and Louise Pen-Collings, both registered dieticians.

Ms Lewis said: “A balanced diet should be fun, easy to achieve and delicious at the same time.”

Elite Nutrition has been supported by Outset Plymouth, a £1million programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Plymouth City Council to help people into self-employment.

Kevin Kelway, marketing executive at Outset Plymouth, said: “Outset was very proud to take part in the official launch of Elite Nutrition at Tamar Science Park.

“Over 30 guests attended including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress who were guests of honour, and other city business leaders also attended.”

More than a dozen businesswomen gathered at the Studio Lounge, in Millbay Road, for the inaugural networking event, designed to “get our women talking”.

And, with it being in the week the Chinese celebrated new year, special Oriental-themed cupcakes were enjoyed during the two-hour event.

“The free networking events are designed for city women entrepreneurs to speak to other like-minded women, drum up new business opportunities and create a new enterprise spirit to help and support more local women in business,” a PEW spokesperson said.

“The informal gatherings will be your chance to tell us what other features and activities you would like to see over the next 12 months.”

The PEW was launched last November, during Global Entrepreneurship Week, when 150 businesswomen attended a showcase at the Council House, in Armada Way. PEW is funded by Plymouth City Council and the European Regional Development Fund to help and support more city women in business, showcase their enterprises, and collaborate with other city businesses, and 8,000 other female entrepreneurs across the UK.

Emma Titah, pictured below, launched Titah’s Travelling Theatre with help from city finance initiative Outset Finance, and aims to work with primary schools, before moving on to secondary education and young adults.

The 43-year-old mother from Stoke said the final push to go out on her own, providing drama clubs and themed workshops, came after meeting her former teacher and his wife, Rick and Jo Marsh at a 25th school anniversary reunion.

“It sent all the memories flooding back and they were so supportive that I was inspired to do it.”

Emma has always worked with children and theatre and so naturally gravitated towards the industry. She started by being contracted by Coast Net at Devonport Guildhall to run a sea life workshop which led to further work developing a production of Snow White, with an underwater theme, for the Blue Sound Project.

Emma has been supported by free workshops and mentoring through Outset Finance where she learned about business, but more importantly mustered the confidence to project her idea.

“The Outset programme made me realise this was a really good idea and that I had to do it. I get great satisfaction from it.”

Emma can be contacted through Titah’s Travelling Theatre, on 07737 216398 or at http://titahstheatre.webs.com.

A CITY magician has conjured up a new business after a lifetime learning the trade.

Andy Nicol launched his enterprise, Justin Allusion, offering to entertain with his magic act at corporate events, parties, armed forces functions, cruise ships and more.

The prestidigitator from Plympton started learning tricks as a young boy after a conjuror at Tavistock’s Goose Fair captured his imagination.

Now at the age of 39 he has gone solo, showcasing his talents at an Outset Finance networking meeting at Studio Lounge, Millbay Road.

“I’m ecstatic. To be able to go out and say I can do my own work and support myself doing something I love is incredible.”

The magician has been performing part-time for eleven years after his hobby developed at a young age.

“It has been a very natural progression,” he said.

“I loved magic as a lad. I met a man at Goosey Fair selling tricks and then I saw an American on television doing David Blaine-type stuff. Since seeing him I decided I wanted to learn how to do it properly so I joined a magic circle in Plymouth.”

He said this move helped build his confidence and his repertoire of illusions.

“I taught myself from books and set myself up with an agent – in this industry much work comes from word-of-mouth.”

“I’ve gone so long from one job to another that I don’t necessarily enjoy that I wanted to do something I loved all the time.”

He said his motto had been ‘never give up’. He practised for nine months every evening and lunch break, the act, received with rapturous applause, which launched his business at the networking event.

“I’ve been working constantly and sometimes I think ‘is it worth it?’ but you cannot give up – it’s never too late.”

He met someone who’d also used Outset to launch their business.

“They said they couldn’t have done it any other way,” he said.

“They have helped me with market research, cash flow and forecasts and all for free. They’ve been invaluable.”

To use Andy’s services contact admin@showbizuk.com or visit www.showbizuk.com or call 0845 2575868.

TWO Plymouth mothers have launched a new business to help parents communicate with their babies after being inspired by their children.

Mandy Drake-Worth and Adele Marshall this week officially started-up Happy Signers, an organisation which teaches baby sign language for the benefit of deaf, as well as hearing, infants.

The pair who met at a disabled forum, are both driven by their passion for the subject of communication, and were helped by free business workshops and advice from Outset.

“My daughter was born with a bilateral lip and cleft palate, and this can be linked to deafness,” said Mandy of Crownhill.

The 49-year-old said her 19-year-old daughter had endured 19 operations which had driven her to “give something back”.

“I wanted to thank the charities that have helped her – The Cleft Palate Association and Plymouth Deaf Children’s Society.”

She teamed up with Adele from Milehouse, who is a baby signing instructor.

The 39-year-old explained: “Using signs with your baby means you can learn when they need food or drink – or even they’ve seen a bird. It is just amazing and fascinating to communicate with your children before they can speak. And it’s been proven that those using signs know around 50 more words when they learn to talk, than those who don’t.”

Adele learned the art of signing after reading a book she spotted in the library when her three children were small. She works using the methods of signing and singing and props, games, puppets and even a bubble machine.

After meeting, the women signed up to Outset Finance, which they heard about through a flyer.

They received free one-to-one advice and sessions about business issues such as cash flow and market research.

Mandy said: “Outset have been absolutely phenomenal from the very first day of our course. They were really inspiring and helpful.”

The pair both have British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications, paediatrics first aid and a BSL organisational license. They both also have CRB clearance and Adele has a psychology qualification and is a trained and qualified tutor.

Taster sessions begin February 7 on various dates at Yealmpton, Pomphlett and Plymstock, Woolwell and at the Wolseley Trust.

Classes begin February 21.

The pair added: “We are enthralled and ecstatic to start up Happy Signers and are both deeply and personally passionate about the subject.”

To find out more visit www.happysigners.co.uk or see www.facebook.com/happysigners or call Mandy direct on 07742 844745.

WHEN Tracy Walters planned her wedding little did she realise that it would be the spark to creating her own business.

But now, just over six months later, Mrs Walters is launching the Perfect Package, an event planning business, from her home in Lipson, Plymouth.

“It’s wedding and event planning and supplies,” she said, “but available for any event.

“I planned my wedding last June and loved it. I have always been into events since I worked as a Red Coat at Butlins.”

She said her unique selling point is a “party in a box”, literally a box containing everything needed to stage a party.

“Everything from goody bags to hats to balloons to cups and plates – everything you need,” she said.

“It will come prepared in a box to the customer’s requirements and get delivered to their house or the venue.”

Mrs Walters said the other catalyst for her business venture was being made redundant from her temporary admin job at a recruitment agency in October.

Having a five-year-old son she wanted to work from home.

Although only launching the business now, Mrs Walters already has some clients lined up, including weddings and birthday parties.

“It’s a very big step but my passion and ambition will get me through,” she said.

Mrs Walters received help from Outset Plymouth and called the start-up organisation “wonderful”.

“I wouldn’t have done it if it were not for them,” she said. “They gave me the confidence.”