Bridal boutique smashes sales record

A Nottingham bridal boutique has stormed through its 2015 results – in just the first five months of this year.

DressPlace, based in George Street, sold 600 dresses in 2015. Already, owner Helen Dickson has said her boutique has beaten this growth in 2016 and sold 600 dresses alone up to middle of May.

DressPlace has 14 employees, three of which are apprentices and Helen is now looking to employ and train a fourth. She also employs three full-time seamstresses who are based on site and work to create the perfect gown for customers around the clock.

Dickson said: “It was such a big gamble for me two years ago when setting up but it has been unbelievable seeing the business grow. DressPlace is my longed-for dream come true.

“People are coming to visit from across the country with customers as far as York, Leicestershire, Leeds and further afield. It is not just great for me but also for the wider Creative Quarter as the area continues to drive investment into the city.

“I am currently looking to recruit another apprentice and continue helping to train young people across the county. This milestone is an achievement which I could never have dreamed of and it makes me so proud.”

First Enterprise helped Dickson to get started with a £20,000 loan to set up, develop her website, take on an apprentice and create a cash flow.

Victoria Copestake, loan fund advisor at First Enterprise, said: “DressPlace is adding to the appeal of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter as a great place for shoppers from across the country. We have funded lots of businesses already in the Creative Quarter and helping businesses to establish themselves and flourish is at the heart of what we do at First Enterprise.

“We would encourage entrepreneurs and business owners to get in touch and see how we could help them take their business plan to the next level.”