Soap-making Scunthorpe mum is cleaning up thanks to UK Steel Enterprise kickstart funding
A Scunthorpe mum-of-two is sampling the sweet smell of success after setting up her own soap company, with help from UK Steel Enterprise.
Tracy White, 40, launched The Willow Soap Company after receiving a £2,500 loan from the Tata Steel subsidiary's Kickstart Fund.
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bubbling success: The Willow Soap Company proprietor Tracy White with Andrew McKenna of UK Steel Enterprise
She is now producing her own range of soap slices, bathbombs, massage bars and whipped body butter.
Tracy gave up her part-time job at Normanby Hall to concentrate on the new business.
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This came after she bought an industrial mixer and created a dedicated manufacturing area at her home.
She is now looking forward to increasing sales as Christmas approaches and more people place orders for her own creations. She said: "I began by selling other people's soaps but then thought, why not make my own and start working for myself? People really liked my creations and things are taking off well.
"It's really exciting to be at the start of a new business, especially one I am so passionate about as I just love coming up with new ideas for soaps and body creams."
UK Steel Enterprise has joined forces with the Telegraph as part of our Your Life, Your Future campaign to support local businesses and boost the local economy.
The organisation's Kickstart Fund was launched last year to help create new businesses in North Lincolnshire. It provides firms with start-up finance of up to £5,000 in unsecured loans.
Tracy said: "Applying for funding to start a business is one thing, having the right advice about how to put together your business plan is another.
"I found the support I got very, very helpful and it made the whole process so much easier."
Keith Williams, regional manager for UK Steel Enterprise, said: "The passion and creativity that Tracy puts into making her own products is obvious to see and is a vital ingredient in business.
"Her business model is sound and it's clear from her early successes that there is demand for her soaps."
For more about The Willow Soap Company, see www. thewillowsoapcompany.com
To apply for support from the Kickstart Fund, call 0800 9151188.
Comments
by chihuahuamad
Friday, November 02 2012, 10:43PM
“hi there Tracy if you get this I would really like to speak to you and get your advice on business planning as I don't know where to start x”
by TimothyIngbit
Sunday, September 23 2012, 9:22PM
“UK PLC needs more people like Tracy White willing to run the gauntlet of governmental spite and run with their business ideas. Some succeed and some fail. Many entrepreneurs make several attempts before achieving success. Microsoft was once also a "two bit garage business". Edison's " workshop" could also have been called a spare room.
Successful entrepreneurs also get precious little thanks for the wealth and employment they create, instead being labeled predators for their trouble, and have to contend with a government apparatus that gave them precious little help on the way up trying to seize the wealth they have created.
It takes a very resilient character indeed to run a business nowadays, and I for one respect anyone with the chutzpah to try.”
by Sister_Wendy_
Saturday, September 22 2012, 8:41PM
“The cupcakes in the photo are garish but there are some gorgeous looking products on the website. Unfortunately, the website is very clunky and slow.
I am concerned that the ingredients are not listed, one could end up ponging of something one doesn't like or having an allergic reaction. Are the ingredients and fragrances synthetic or natural?
Good luck, I can see these in garden centres, bridal suites (or sweets!), florists etc”
by IT_MAN
Saturday, September 22 2012, 7:47PM
“Well at least she is having a go at something she is interested in and I am sure she would have had to produce a business plan to obtain the startup grant. It is not the thing I go out to buy but I am sure many do, I wish her all the best and hope she expands in the future and is a success.”
by TracyWhite
Saturday, September 22 2012, 9:56AM
“HarryWorth - Every business starts small, and obviously the business leaders who agreed my loan see potential in my business. Yes lets see where I am in 18 months, and who's having the last laugh then..... because I can assure you it won't be you!”
by HarryWorth
Friday, September 21 2012, 3:15PM
“Oh Mojo1200 you're just TOO funny. I laughed SO much at your witty comments.
I post under the banner of "fair comment".
A two and a half thousand pound 'Kickstart" loan is laughable in terms of building a viable business.
I'm afraid, despite Ms White's protestations, this scale of operation, run from a spare room in the house (sorry I should have said a "dedicated manufacturing area") is doomed to remain a "pin-money" hobby. To profess it as a potential employer is grossly overstating the "business's" true potential.
Lets see where they are in eighteen months.”
by mojo1200
Friday, September 21 2012, 1:45PM
“that arry worth. whats he all about then ay? allways got some clapp trap to say obout everything, i'd have to live till i was 101 to learn as mutch as he thinks he knows. he about as funny as hemeroids”
by TracyWhite
Thursday, September 20 2012, 8:54PM
“Thank you Jiggysaurus for your kind comments. seems there are some people who have nothing better to do then make stupid remarks. Shame they have nothing better to do!”
by Jiggysaurus
Thursday, September 20 2012, 8:14PM
“Yet another stupid and derogatory comment from HarryWorthless. You must lead a very sad existence that you have to spend your time constantly ridiculing everything.
I think you should be applauded Tracy. Good for you. At least you are attempting to do something and get somewhere in the current climate. I am sure I am not alone in wishing you every success in your enterprise.”
by TracyWhite
Thursday, September 20 2012, 3:40PM
“Harry Worth - just to let you know I have worked very hard to get this business off the ground and it is definitely NOT a hobby, it is not easy setting up a business in a recession. My products are stocked in a growing number of outlets throughout the country, and no Proctor and Gamble don't have anything to worry about, mine are artisan products not mass produced. So when my business has grown and I am looking for local people to employ, what will you have to say then?? If you don't have anything worthwhile to say.... don't say anything at all!!”