As with any new business, there were growing pains. The business had traction, we had customers, orders, suppliers and cash in the bank. Our orders had incrementally increased and each month was better than the one before. We felt invincible, but our success highlighted inadequacies in our processes. We were growing too quickly and had to slow things down as our operations wasn't able to cope.
New systems were developed, sleeves were rolled up and sweat and tears poured. I realised then how important it was to have the right people, processes and systems in place. The team came together and we worked like a family. By working as a team we were able to resolve the issues and continue our growth.
It was a fun time and I recall my first TV interview with the BBC. We aired on BBC News and the impact was astonishing. We also featured in the Daily Mail and other mainstream news outlets. I also started winning business awards.
Award ceremonies were always fun, an opportunity to have an evening out with the team, meet other businesses and do some networking. Prizes could also be fun. Startups.co.uk regularly ran their prize lunch at Richard Branson's Kensington Roof Gardens, with pink flamingo to boot. HSBC provided a fully expensed night at the Ritz as part of their award prize, which was incredible.
The best prize however was being pictured by Rankin and having it displayed at the OXO gallery. Rankin is a famous photographer who has worked with the likes of Kate Moss, The Rolling Stones and Madonna. The shoot was fun as was hanging out at his studio for the day. We had an evening of drinks and nibbles at the launch event at London's Oxo gallery. Rankin was a good sport and we also met Peter Jones from Dragons Den.
I would encourage all entrepreneurs to enter business awards, the networking, press coverage and prizes are all worth it. I now regularly act as a judge on panels, it's a fun way to meet young entrepreneurs and help them with advice or funding.
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