Felling businesswoman grows business, despite Covid-19, with launch of new website

Local entrepreneur, Marie Smith, has moved her home interiors business online so customers can continue to purchase goods during lockdown. 

Marie had been providing customers with quality home furnishings from her shop in Felling before lockdown was brought into place.  

Following government guidance and closing her shop to the public, Marie decided to launch www.DesignSolutionsFelling.com, a new website where customers can browse and buy products and get them delivered direct to their doorstep. 

Marie said: "When lockdown happened I was really worried about how I would keep my business going. I decided to launch a website as it was evident people would be spending lots of time indoors. I wanted to continue to help them make their homes as comfortable and stylish as possible, and browse and buy my products in a safe, no-contact way. Since launching online, I've seen a big increase in orders and my business continues to grow everyday.  

 "I first set up my company with thanks to Carol at Business Gateshead who helped me access the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme. The scheme is designed to help long-term unemployed people back to work by supporting them in setting up their own business. Now for the first time, I'm earning a good wage and soon I'll no longer need the government support." 

If you're interested in support to help your business grow, diversify or access start-up support get in touch with the Business Gateshead team.