Simply a superb year!

This year saw the fifth anniversary of Simply Bows and Chair Covers and what a year it has been!

As this fabulous year draws to a close we thought that we would share with you some of our highlights and some of our favourite events.....

This year we have welcomed aboard four new franchisees/teams: Janine who manages our North Northumberland office, Kimberley who launched our new Essex office and Heather, Leanne and Nicola who jointly run our Newcastle office and Adele who opened up our first Wales office (South Wales).

We have also welcomed three new 'Baby Bows' to the world! Kristy (West Northumberland and Cumbria office), Vicki (Dundee and Perth) and Claire (Aberdeen) all gave birth to beautiful baby girls!

This year alongside some fantastic coverage in the press we were delighted to be awarded a BFA accreditation. The bfa's main role is to help potential franchisees recognise the good franchises and the not-so-good, as well as to help businesses involved in franchising to secure their own position amongst the "good".

Simply Bows and Chair Covers pride themselves on being innovative, always striving to bring new, exciting products to the market to allow brides and clients to have a truly unique wedding or event and this year was no exception. Our Autumn 'Elegant and Opulent' range went down a storm all over the UK!

 

To add to the fifth anniversary celebrations, Sarah Pittendrigh (MD) was also invited to a special business event in Birmingham. Dragon’s Den star, Theo Paphitis, selected a number of entrepreneurs from around the UK to meet with him . The star chose Sarah after naming Simply Bows and Chair Covers as one of his top small businesses in his ‘Small Business Sunday’ challenge, which he holds weekly on Twitter.

 

Speaking about her fifth year in business, Sarah said: “This is such a milestone not only for me but for my franchisees too. What started out as a small idea that I thought could work across the North East has turned into a nationwide operation. It’s quite overwhelming when I stop to think about it but I have tremendous support from the brilliant business community in the North East, the franchisees around the UK, wonderful clients and hotels and, of course, my family.

Thank you all for your continued support of Simply Bows and Chair Covers. We look forward to sharing more beautiful events with you in 2014 and beyond.... but for now, here are just some of our favourite events of 2013... Happy New Year to you all!

Langley Castle, Northumberland

Newcastle Racecourse, Newcastle

Otterburn Hall, Northumberland

The Elvetham, Berkshire

The Villa, Lancashire

The Tithe Barne, Carlisle

The White Swan, Northumberland

Seaham Hall Hotel & Spa

Franchise in Focus: Janine from Northumberland

Introduce yourself, name, age, which region/ venues you cover... 

My Name is Janine Robinson, I am 29 years old and cover North Northumberland. This includes Doxford Hall, Eshott Hall, Ellingham Hall, Longhirst Hall, Linden Hall, Woodhill Hall, The Alnwick Garden and Castle, Guyzance Hall, Newton Hall and many more….

What is your background?

My background is in Renewable Energy events, where as PA to David Still CBE, I organised and attended exhibitions and high profile events as well as managing the National Renewable Energy Centre’s conference centre prior to that.

Why did you take a franchise with Simply Bows?

I worked with Simply Bows and Chair Covers on a part time basis dressing weddings and events in my spare time. When the opportunity came up to become a franchisee I jumped at the chance of becoming part of this excellent team and well-known brand.

Why do you love working for yourself?

The main reason I love working for myself is it gives me the flexibility to spend time with my 2 year old daughter Halle.

Why do you love being a Simply Bows franchisee?

Being part of someone’s wedding is very special and helping them create the look they want for their day is very rewarding. It’s great to walk away from a venue knowing you have made such a difference.

Which "look" that you can create is your favourite and why?

I love using the ruffles and chair veils, they create something totally different and unique.

If you could dress a celebrity wedding - whose would you choose and why? 

Jared Leto – he’s my dream man!

Any really memorable weddings that you have dressed? 

The first wedding I dressed in the ivory ruffles because they looked so lovely!

How would your friends describe you in three words?

Thoughtful, Funny, Caring – From the horses mouths, honestly I asked them! ;)

Are you married?  How did you dress your own wedding?

I am married. My husband Lee and I were married at Matfen Hall on 22^nd August 2009. We had a burnt orange and chocolate brown colour scheme with Orange organza bows.

Why choose SImply Bows over another linen provider?

Our quality speaks for itself and our customer service is second to none, regardless as to the area you are in. Our business is multi award winning, and I bet there aren’t many others that can say that.

How can Simply Bows blog readers get in touch with you?

Email me on janine@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk or telephone 07581 707539

Franchise in Focus: Susan from Dundee

Please introduce yourself, name, age, which region you cover...

      My name is Susan Boyle, 54 years old and live in the Tayside region(Dundee).  I cover Dundee, Perth, Fife and the surrounding areas.

What is your background?

            I worked for many years as a membership consultant in a health club before changing direction to the bridal industry.

Why did you take a franchise with Simply Bows and Chair Covers?

            I took a franchise with Simply Bows and Chair covers after reading an article about the founder of the company and I liked what I saw.

Why do you love working for yourself?

            I love the flexibility and lifestyle which is a huge part for me and also means I can work my life around it. It is very rewarding and I really love my job what is so great is that I know I am planning and working towards my own future and that of my family instead of working for a boss, ' I am my own boss'.

Why do you love being a Simply Bows and Chair Covers franchisee?

            I love that I have my own business but also having the support network of the company and other franchisees in such a rewarding industry.

Where do you see you, and your franchise in the next few years?

            I see my business growing quite rapidly in my first year and certainly in 3 years time I aim to be working part time in my franchise and reaping the rewards of a full time income with my two daughters on board part time too. A real family business!

  I am working towards running a very professional, highly recommended, well known, profitable business and loving it along the way.  It makes me feel special to be part of a couples big day and the feedback is amazing.  Here's to many more great years!

Simply a date for your diary, Cumbria brides to be!