Frances Alexandra Jewellery
20 May 2024
Sector: Manufacturing
Location: Newark & Sherwood
Frances Alexandra Jewellery is a small bespoke, handmade jewellery business run and owned by Alex Parkinson.
Based in Thorseby Hall Park, just outside Worksop and situated within the grade 2 listed building, previously the stable block. Alex started the business in August 2017 and runs jewellery-making workshops.
Challenges faced
Over the years, Alex has actively sought opportunities for personal and professional development. Not having a business background, she has attended several workshops run by East Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Combined County Authority Growth Hub, focused on social media and accountancy. These workshops have equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge, particularly helping in organising her accounts.
Solution and Impact
Alex credits much of her recent success to advice from her business adviser, Alex Gardner from the Accelerator project.
The guidance provided not only boosted her confidence but also reignited her passion for her business. With newfound clarity and support, Alex embraced opportunities she previously hesitated to pursue. This included taking part in craft fairs and making presentations to guests at a local stately house, as well as collaborating with other social media influencers in the craft industry.
The support and guidance from her business adviser and the tools provided by the Accelerator Project have had a profound impact on Alex and her business. She has become more efficient in time management, leading to reduced stress and increased satisfaction in the process of running her business. By re-evaluating her business strategy, she gained confidence in the value of her services, reflected in adjusted pricing.
With ideas and tips for how to increase her engagement via her social media platforms, Alex has increased enquiries. She enjoys creating content for social media and is happy to bring to life her day-to-day operation online for people to engage with.
Through an upturn in her cash flow, Alex has negotiated affordable solutions for essential upgrades to her business, particularly with her website development. Eventually, this will help streamline processes and take away some of the weight of all the admin that she is currently carrying out.
Alex was able to take a holiday recently which she hasn’t been able to do for quite a while. She feels she has more of a handle on her work-life balance now.
Her adviser Alex Gardner commented: “Alex needed fresh eyes on her business when we met. She has a super business and provides a wonderful bespoke handmade jewellery service for the locality and beyond. It is always a privilege when business owners share their experiences of running their own business. Due to Alex’s openness, we got into the details of her operation quite quickly and make adjustments that had an immediate impact.”
“I strongly encourage fellow business owners to seek support through the Accelerator Project. The tangible results I’ve experienced, including increased bookings and positive feedback, attest to the effectiveness of personalised business advisory services.”
- Alex Parkinson, Owner
This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of Newark and Sherwood District Council.
