Business News


Sponsored by: Islamic Help


entrepreneurs@chamber Introducing the Chamber’s newest start-up members


Illness no barrier to success


Indonesia earthquake response


It’s always one of the saddest times when we have to respond to a natural disaster. Trying to help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck Indonesia at the end of September is one of those occasions. More than 1,400 deaths


have been confirmed so far and 66,000-plus homes destroyed. An emergency appeal that we launched a day or so after this twin-disaster has already attracted considerable response from donors. Their generosity means that


we will be sending a ship full of emergency aid to the city of Palu for distribution by our team, who are travelling to Indonesia, and partner agencies. What is heartening is that


tragedies like these provoke a reaction from people of all walks of life who want to help. One example was experienced by a colleague who was approached by a woman – a non-Muslim – outside of work. The lady asked if anyone


was doing anything for the earthquake survivors and when the staff member explained that we were arranging for emergency aid deliveries, she handed over a £20 note but refused to give her name or any other details. Such is the effect this tragedy has had on people whatever their race, religion or belief.


Please support the emergency aid operations for Indonesia by donating to our emergency appeal – call 0121 446 5682 or online at islamichelp.org.uk – or to any other registered charity or to the DEC appeal.


22 CHAMBERLINK November 2018


An entrepreneur who battled 10 years of illness has not only managed to launch a successful networking business, but publish a book about her experiences. Paulette Kumar battled physical


and mental health challenges while launching and establishing her networking business, Achieve 2 Excel. The book - ‘Healing ME Naturally’


– is about wellbeing and healing. Paulette’s list of illnesses included chronic fatigue, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Fibromyalgia and depression. Paulette said: “My illnesses


prevented me from fulfilling my desire to help and support people to grow. It impacted my family, causing my husband and children to be my carers. My sick parent could not be attended to. I lost my livelihood, work life and at times it felt like my self-respect as I could no longer do my community work.” Despite this, Paulette has been


able to launch and grow her business after becoming one of the first start- up members of the Chamber. She said: “I've been able to have


links with businesses who are at a similar stage which is extremely


business is viable and obtain guidance in making the necessary changes. It's been great to link with people with people who have a similar business mindset, especially important when you're a start-up business and have little interaction previously with people or organisations who live and breathe business. “It's an environment where you


will get something substantial for business growth if you put in the effort to work and stick with it.” Anabela Ferreira, Paulette’s


relationship manager, said: “I met Paulette in 2016 when she first joined the Chamber. “From the outset, Paulette was


Overcoming challenges: Paulette Kumar


important when you are working in isolation. “I have attended some great


networking sessions and have had the opportunity to learn and grow from the workshops I've attended. I've been able to explore if my


The Chamber’s start-up membership scheme is continuing to help new businesses get off the ground. The package, aimed at companies that have been trading for less


than a year, features all the benefits of a standard membership as well as access to 11 half-day workshops. The start-up workshops offer expert advice on a whole range of


areas useful to a fledgling business. In this issue, Chamberlink looks at a start-up which joined the


scheme and has gone on to become a success, despite owner Paulette Kumar having to overcome various hurdles along the way.


These are among the latest businesses to sign up to the start-up support programme:


Link 360 Alan Turton, 07443 492512, ajturton@live.com Link 360 is a leadership coaching and training consultancy. Alan Turton has a wealth of experience across various industry sectors and is a strong believer in ‘learning-by-doing’.


Sales Marvel Keith Rozelle, 07473 760627, keith@salesmarvel.co.uk Keith is a sales coach with more than 30 years’ experience gained with some of the world’s most recognisable brands. Sales Marvel provides sales expertise at affordable prices (from £25 per month) and is aimed at the smaller end of the market.


Utility Centre Neil Shepherd, 0843, 456 0066, nshepherd@utilitycentre.co.uk This company is an Ofgem regulated commercial energy broker, and has been helping businesses secure the best deal for their energy and water contracts for the past decade.


Plan B Consultancy Rajvinder Kaur Uppal, 07971 235149, rajvinderu@planbconsultancy.co.uk This business is a consultancy specialising in ‘change management’. The consultancy works with SMEs and start- ups on business launches and growth, and offers one- to-one and group coaching sessions.


In partnership with


incredibly focused on achieving her goals. Due to her health condition and family commitments she was often forced to prioritise activities to ensure that she would focus on the ones that moved her closer to the desired outcome. “This can prove to be a very


difficult balancing act to achieve, however Paulette seemed completely unfazed by it and kept a really positive attitude throughout.”


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