A start-up business from the city has spoken about how it grew from a market stall and packing orders in a bedroom to having more than a dozen stores.
Mike Turner and business partner Kristina Smith built the Bird and Blend Tea Co, formerly Bluebird Tea Co, from scratch in Brighton back in 2012.
It has since grown to 15 outlets, turning over more than £5 million a year and employing more than 300 staff.
The couple initially used a £25,000 start up loan and online crowdfunding for their business which has two shops in Kings Road Arches and Gardner Street.
Mike Turner, co-founder and director of Bird and Blend Tea Co, said: "Helping to support the next generation of purpose-driven businesses is a passion of mine.
“Over the past 11 years, we've taken Bird and Blend Tea Co. from a market stall and packing orders in a back bedroom, to 15 stores and counting across the UK and just over 160 employees.
“We know how challenging it can be to navigate the hurdles that are thrown at you - finding an affordable route to investment, constant regulation changes, planning obstacles, recruitment and training enough high calibre staff. Staying true to your values while maintaining a healthy, profitable business takes courage.
“I'm really excited to pass on some of that experience to support more businesses that are driven by their values through the Enterprise Nation Fund."
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Mike is offering his experience to mentor up-and-coming businesses as part of a new grant scheme paid for by social media platform TikTok.
It is being launched by small business platform Enterprise Nation Fund with TikTok to deliver three £5,000 grants, 12 months of one-to-one mentoring with an expert entrepreneur. TikTok will also provide access to advertisement specialists in its London office who will provide guidance on building brand presence.
Entries open on August 10 and close on September 14. A shortlist of 30 successful entrepreneurs will then go to a public vote with finalists going forward to judging.
The winner will be announced in October.
For more information, visit www.enterprisenation.com.
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