CHAMBER NEWS Ceramics maker fired up by collaboration
Coping with rapid growth is a challenge often faced by small businesses. Jo Keogh, of Jo Keogh Ceramics and The Clay Room Leicester, turned to Leicestershire business support project, the Chamber-partnered Collaborate for help. Jo Keogh’s business produces
ceramics for retail and exhibitions from her studio in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Jo uses hybrid making methods
in which the hand-formed and the moulded are brought together to create one-off ceramic vessels. A qualified teacher, Jo also runs ceramic workshops and pottery classes. Her income from these classes has nearly tripled in two years. Jo said: “The business is
developing and diversifying much quicker than I anticipated. I needed help on how to cope and maintain growth.” Jo has taken advantage of support, advice and workshops from LCB Depot, run by Leicester City Council, lead partner in the Collaborate project. “I want to get the best advice
and information. I’ve been on a number of free workshops
space at the Makers’ Yard and launched a membership scheme, whereby ceramists can make use of her space, for a monthly fee.” Russ Pacey, Sector Lead for
Creative Industries for Leicester City, said: “Our tailored programme of workshops is specifically designed for creative businesses across Leicester. It’s great to see the support we offer having a positive impact on creative businesses.” Collaborate is funded by the
Jo Keogh in her studio
organised by the Business Growth Team funded by the Collaborate project including creating an online shop, product photography, GDPR, Intellectual property and setting terms and conditions. These were really useful, coming at the right stage for me and my business. “I felt confident this information
was good and could be trusted. It saved me hours of research which may have taken me down the wrong route.”
Jo also found people were
asking on a regular basis if they could have some studio time to use her pottery wheel or kiln. This seemed like it could be another income stream so, following research and further advice from LCB Depot, she has taken a larger
European Regional Development Fund and partners: Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and the Food and Drink Forum.
Businesses interested in free advice and workshops from Collaborate should visit
www.llepbizgateway.co.uk/ collaborate and complete a simple enquiry form.
business network October 2018
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