OUR SUB36 ENTREPRENEURS


Stephanie Ashcroft


Co-owner, Fruity Llama


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Stephanie opened her first business, The Brookside


Hair and Beauty Salon, at 18, setting up shop in what was once a run-down pub, now renovated. Fifteen years later, it is still thriving, employing a team of eight.


Three years ago, she co-founded digital marketing agency Fruity Llama, without startup capital, in partnership with her husband. The business sets itself apart with an innovative remote work model and its community focus and is predicting 80 per cent growth over the next 12 months.


Next up, Stephanie is in the process of launching a training and mentoring business for aspiring salon owners and young entrepreneurs.


Justine Bedford


Owner, The Royal Dyche, Burnley


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When Justine took over the Royal Dyche – then the


Princess Royal – 11 years ago it was, by her estimation, “an eyesore inside and out with an awful reputation”.


A rebrand and complete transformation has seen it become a multi-award-winning venue, including being named the Great British Pub’s best pub to watch sport in 2023.


She has since taken full ownership and paid off the mortgage. The pub now hosts various events including fundraisers for local charities.


Justine has ideas to drive the business forward and plans to launch a consultancy so that she can help others transform their venues.


Oliver Birch


Finance director, RecycleIT & The Appliance Store


33


Oliver is finance director of


RecycleIT, which recycles old IT hardware, helping businesses dispose of their waste


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and supplying businesses and community organisations with affordable tech.


He has implemented efficient systems and processes that have streamlined operations and boosted productivity, while his financial acumen and leadership have been instrumental in the ongoing success of the business.


Oliver also established The Appliance Store, an online retailer of white goods which grew from zero turnover to £5m in just four years, creating 10 local jobs.


He launched Big Presence in early 2022. The new venture grew rapidly, doubling its six-figure revenues in consecutive years, generating thousands of leads for clients.


Big Presence was then bought by national marketing agency Fifteen Design, with Jonathan becoming a shareholder and joining the board of directors.


It is essential that


Lancashire encourages and supports the next wave of ambassadors, whether for a place or business, so our county and everyone in it can benefit and thrive


33/33


Jonathan Finch


Business Development Director, Fifteen


Jonathan is in the business of helping


others succeed. He was a co-founder of Sales Geek Training, and later Sales Geek Holdings.


My View HARNESSING THE


POWER OF ENTERPRISE Amy Lancaster-Hall


Group marketing manager, Bowker Motor Group


Porsche Centre Preston is thrilled to sponsor Lancashire Business View’s Sub36 feature once again.


We believe in the power of young entrepreneurial spirit to transform industries and create lasting impact.


Supporting this feature reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and celebrating their achievements in the business world.


It’s vital to champion young entrepreneurs as they bring innovation and energy to the business landscape.


Lancashire, with its thriving support networks and strategic connectivity, provides an ideal environment for entrepreneurial growth. The region’s skilled workforce and rich industrial heritage offer a solid foundation for new ventures.


With numerous incubators and business support programmes, young entrepreneurs in Lancashire have access to the best resources and mentorship. We look forward to following the success of our county’s brightest young talents.


LANCASHIREBUSINES SV IEW.CO.UK


Rachel Finch and Lauren Sinclair Owners, Finch Bakery


Twin sisters Rachel and Lauren began baking cakes in their parents’ kitchen and opened their own bakery in Great Harwood in 2016.


Finch Bakery specialises in sweet treats and the business soon attracted a devoted following. In addition to its shop, open seven days a week, baked goods are available to buy online. The sisters have published two Sunday Times bestseller cookbooks.


Continued on Page 44


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SUB36


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