We are Launch North West, a family-run branding & events agency based in Atherton, Greater Manchester.Â
Since 2012 we have been delivering events to provide equal opportunities for business of all sizes by providing an affordable platform for them to promote their products and services to a local audience.Â
10 years and Global pandemic later our method helps small business owners, sole traders and entrepreneurs define, create and amplify their brand to reach their targeted audience. Â
I took off on my own journey after leaving college in the mid-90s. Much to my mum's dismay, I found myself working at a local sewing factory. Despite my passion for learning and being with my friends, I had my own career aspirations. Starting as a production line seamstress for Marks and Spencer, I worked my way up to become a pattern cutter and an integral part of the team...
In retrospect, my experience in the design room provided valuable insights into running a business. I learned the importance of efficient processes and the impact of time and motion.Â
People FocussedÂ
Expanding my skills in handmade soft furnishings, I joined the John Lewis Partnership in the early noughties', a renowned name in retail. Working for such a prestigious brand was an honour, and their employee-centric approach left a lasting impression on me. Â
Their trust in me led to my first taste of entrepreneurship. As part of their furnishing advisory team, I worked on-site in clients' homes, ensuring their satisfaction. My association with the esteemed John Lewis brand helped me attract my own clients and I built my first business alongside my contractual obligations reaching a professional climax after project managing the design and fit of handmade soft furnishings throughout a five-story townhouse in Bristol opposite the Clifton Suspension Bridge in 2009.Â
Downs & Ups Â
The financial crisis of 2008 eventually had its impact, and in 2010, I became a mum at the age of 32. The following year, I returned to my hometown of Atherton and welcomed my daughter into the world. After a year of maternity leave, I was eager to resume work.Â
I needed to get out and about, however, the events I attended proved disappointing. In 2012, I teamed up with a heavily pregnant Jo and we took matters into our own hands by organising local artisan markets. Our first attempt attracted over 1300 visitors.Â
Our events quickly outgrew the venues available to us with our last event attracting over 4500 visitors for little financial reward, but we were learning. Â
Finding our FeetÂ
In 2014, another local business approached us to help them hold a business expo in our neighbouring town, we wanted to provide an affordable opportunity for businesses of all shapes and sizes to network and build those all-important relationships. Â
This marked the beginning of our journey into the world of business expos. We took our expo model to Blackpool in 2015 and held our first digital business expo at Media City in 2016. Collaborating with industry giants like Microsoft, IBM, Google, and Tech North Advocates, empowering business owners to unzip their digital potential through embracing digital transformation.Â
In 2017, the Digital Marketing Roadshow addressed prevalent issues in the digital marketing industry and connected businesses with trusted partners stopping in Blackpool, Preston and Wigan. Our Digital Debates focussed on the importance of education to guard against exploitation and we brought Women Leaders in the Tech industry together to discuss the opportunities the digital marketing industry offered, specifically for women.Â
Ups & DownsÂ
By 2019, Launch was hosting over 25 networking events and three regional expos annually, with a loyal customer base of over 300 businesses and an online audience of 6 million per event, going in to 2020 we were thriving.Â
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck 60% of our business disappeared overnight.Â
Building a business is hard but by surrounding yourself with the right people anything is possible, covid proved to us our way is the right way, people matter much more than profits.Â
Have BeliefÂ
I firmly believe that face-to-face events are instrumental in revitalising the current economic landscape, particularly because of the opportunities they create and with limited support available for small businesses it’s vital to build a network of people you can trust on your doorstep.Â
By leveraging our marketing skills and fostering collaborations with local businesses like us, we are committed to a community-driven approach that benefits everyone involved.Â
Wigan President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
Empress of Expos.
BA (Hons) Degree in Digital Marketing – First Class.
Digital Marketing Apprenticeship – Distinction.
IDMÂ Certificate in Digital and Data Driven Marketing.
Ever since I can remember, I've had a passion for singing. My mum's a massive Motown fan, and she definitely passed on her musical taste to me. Besides singing, I had an eye for drawing too! Â
When I finished high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I was a good student and left with 10 GCSEs (7 Bs and 3 Cs), It bothered me a bit that I never quite achieved an 'A.' Â
College seemed like the natural next step, so off I went, obtaining A-levels in psychology and English.Â
But I still didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career, I decided against going to university so I needed a job.Â
Â
Early DaysÂ
Careers advice in those days was practically non-existent, instead of furthering my education, I briefly joined my sister Nichola at a sewing factory, but funnily enough, I never learned to sew. Â
From there I went on to work as a temp at British Gas in their warehouse before life took a turn and I got made redundant. After that, I ended up in a call centre for a utility company where I stayed for a whopping 17 years.Â
I can't say I loved it; there were some good moments, like meeting one of my best friends and working with amazing people. At times, I even got to work in departments I enjoyed. But truth be told, my mental health suffered greatly.Â
Challenges and InspirationÂ
During one challenging time, I sought solace with Nichola in Cambridge. There, I saw first-hand the fun she had working for herself. It was usually all hands-on deck, so I even pitched in and helped her in the sewing room, tackling the most enormous pair of curtains you have ever seen. Â
That's when it hit me—I wanted to work alongside her. The only obstacle? Â
She was over 180 miles away.Â
Fast forward a decade and Nichola finally moved back home, and Launch Events started the following year.Â
The dream was getting closer!Â
Financial responsibilities and the need to support my young family meant it took another five years before I could join the business full-time. However, Nichola really struggled to find the right people to help her with online marketing, so I'd always been involved behind the scenes. Â
Educating JoÂ
It was during this time that my love for marketing developed. I devoured every bit of knowledge I could find on the internet, and I gained practical experience by marketing the company from the very beginning.Â
Then in 2018 we met the team at UCLan whilst I was looking into different qualifications. I wanted a credible qualification, something that would solidify my experience. Â
So, at the ripe old age of 39, I started my university journey. Over the next 3 years I studied through a global pandemic, homeschooled my three children ("homeschooled" is a loose term) and contributed to diversifying our business. And you know what? I earned a first-class honours degree in Digital Marketing, received a distinction in my apprenticeship, and even made the Dean's list. Â
At 42, I finally achieved my first 'A'! It's undoubtedly one of my proudest moments.Â
Future FocusÂ
Today, I utilise my natural creativity, skills, and knowledge to help businesses define their brand, create compelling visuals, and strategise effective ways to engage their customers. Understanding your customers' motivations, aligning your business goals, and leveraging your organisation's capabilities are crucial for getting the results you deserve.Â
As a fellow business owner, I understand the overwhelming nature of decision-making and the uncertainty of what steps to take next. But that's where I come in. Â
I'll help you strategise your next move based on what matters most to your business right now. Together, we'll cut through the overwhelm, focus your resources where they're needed most, and help you take that next step forward, one foot in front of the other.Â
Â
As the year 2022 neared its end, the doors of the first Blackpool Business Expo since 2019 also came to a close, bringing an overwhelming sense of joy and satisfaction. It was an incredible feeling to be back at last!
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with GC Business Growth Hub. “LaunchNW’s expertise, passion, & unwavering commitment to support local businesses and communities have made them an invaluable addition to our network.”
We are delighted to announce that Jo has graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with exceptional achievements. She earned a first-class honours degree in Digital Marketing, received a distinction for her apprenticeship, and earned a well-deserved place on the Dean’s List. Congratulations, Jo!
We were excited to announce the launch of Business Expo Wigan in 2019. In light of Wigan council’s decision not to host their annual business event, our aim was to bring local businesses together, fostering connections and collaboration, and ensuring valuable opportunities for our community.
We are thrilled to share that Nichola has been appointed as the Wigan VP of the GM Chamber of Commerce (President as of 2023). “I wanted to build new relationships, to be able to help other business owners get the same from their networking activity.”
Building on the success of our thriving Leigh networking group and the valuable feedback from our attendees, we are excited to announce the launch of a second monthly networking meeting in Wigan. This expansion aims to provide even more opportunities for local businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow.
Jo embarks on an exciting journey as she begins her Digital Marketing Degree at UCLAN. As if balancing family life and running a business wasn’t enough, she is thrilled to start her apprenticeship. A new chapter filled with growth and learning awaits!
Exciting news! Nichola has been invited to be a judge for The Wigan Business Awards for the very first time. It’s a fantastic opportunity for her to contribute her expertise and help recognise the incredible achievements of local businesses. We can’t wait to see the winners she’ll help select!
Exciting news! Launch Events has officially taken the helm of the fabulous Leigh Business Expo as it celebrates its 5th Birthday. We’re thrilled to be part of this milestone and can’t wait to bring our energy and expertise to make it an even more incredible experience for all attendees. Let’s celebrate and grow together!
As we take the reins of the Leigh Business Expo, we’re also launching monthly networking meetings in Leigh. It’s our way of creating more opportunities for local businesses to come together, share ideas, and form valuable connections. Join us and be a part of this thriving business community in Leigh!
Our Digital Marketing Roadshow in Preston concluded with exciting Learning Huddles, where attendees explored digital topics impacting their businesses. We’re thrilled to have created this platform for sharing knowledge, and we can’t wait to bring you more exciting events in the future.
We had a big realisation – our current brand just wasn’t capturing the essence of our business anymore. So, we decided it was time for a corporate makeover as we stepped into the corporate world from our artisan event roots. It’s an exciting transition, and we can’t wait to see our brand evolve and flourish in this new chapter!
We were over the moon to receive our first-ever EVA Award nomination in the Small Business category! Making it to the finals held at the Winter Gardens was such an exciting experience. Although we didn’t come out as winners this time, we’re keeping our spirits high and eagerly looking forward to the next chance.
Our Digital Marketing Roadshow in wigan held a powerful panel discussion on diversity in the industry. We addressed the gender balance and highlighted the actions being taken for a more inclusive digital landscape. Let’s lead the way towards equality!
Great news! After supporting Nichola from behind the scenes since Launch NW’s inception, Jo is now joining the business full time. As a family business led by two sisters, they’re excited to embark on this journey together, leveraging their unique strengths and shared passion to drive Launch NW’s success.
We’re hitting the road with the Digital Marketing Roadshow, starting in Blackpool and making stops in Wigan and Preston in 2017. Our mission? Tackling bad practices in the digital marketing industry and connecting businesses with reliable partners. Remember, education is power!
Media City Expo was an outstanding event that truly showcased the wealth of talent in the creative, digital, and media industries across the region. Attendees were treated to an incredible display of skills, innovation, and creativity.
The all-day digital clinic provided businesses with valuable insights into leveraging digital solutions to achieve their marketing objectives. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the digital landscape and discover new possibilities for success.
After careful consideration, we made the exciting decision to relocate the Blackpool Business Expo to a more central location. We relaunched the event with great enthusiasm at The Village Hotel. The new venue provided a convenient and accessible space for attendees to connect, network, and explore business opportunities.
after Blackpool Expo, we made the bold decision to replicate our business expo model in Bolton. Recognising the tremendous potential in the area, we wanted to bring the same energy and opportunities to local businesses. Creating a platform for connections, growth, and success.
Our very first Blackpool Expo took place at Ribby Hall, with plenty of businesses, seminars and guest speaker Neil Clough, from series 9 of the apprentice.
Our first Christmas market in 2013 was a huge hit, with a whopping 1300 visitors joining the festivities. Inspired by the incredible response, we decided to expand our Christmas events and added Leigh Sports Village to our calendar. for double the festive cheer!
Wigan Business Expo was already established, and what’s good enough for Wigan is good enough for Leigh. Local printers Collins and Darwell, asked us to help organise the first annual Leigh Business Expo
Our very first Christmas markets took place at the now demolished Formby Hall in Atherton. The outpouring of local support from stall holders and visitors left us overwhelmed. We even had a surprise visit from the police! Don’t worry, they were just curious as to all the traffic and wanted to check things out.
We had an incredible time hosting our very first event, the Mother’s Day Night of Indulgence. There were amazing stalls offering pamper sessions, gift ideas, stunning jewellery, and mouth-watering treats.
Frustrated by events that fell short of expectations, in 2012 we took matters into our own hands, organising local artisan markets. Before long we outgrow our venues!
Since 2012 we have mastered the art of reaching more of the right people and turning business relationships into opportunities for growth.
Website by Launch North West © Copyright 2023Â
