For many people, facing the prospect of redundancy is intimidating in the extreme, but not for David Fricker. When news broke that the framing department of an art and craft shop was to be closed down, David knew that he would soon be out of a job.
Whilst many would have looked around for possible employment opportunities, David saw this as a chance to use the skills he had acquired in the picture framing business over the past twelve years, and set up on his own. This was the beginning of Framewerks, a bespoke picture mounting and framing service for home, office or exhibition.
David’s girlfriend recommended that he contact the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) to find out about their Business Planning Courses. She had attended a course herself a couple of years previously, and found it to be an excellent introduction to self employment. David was soon enrolled on one of the many courses that are held throughout the year. Taking place on one day a week over five weeks, the course is flexible enough to take into account the needs of those still working, or in the throes of setting up their own business. All the delegates produce a business plan, which includes financial objectives, a cashflow forecast, and an analysis of overheads. David has been able to use this to set targets for his business and measure his progress. “The course was very useful and made me think about many aspects of running a business”, David explains. “It’s a great exercise for anyone in my situation.
One of the first challenges was to find suitable premises – somewhere that had good parking, that was accessible to customers, and not too far from the town centre. David chose a small unit in the Cowdray Centre, which ticked all the boxes on his checklist. It was now down to business!
Framewerks opened its doors in February this year. Already, David is talking about reviewing his progress and taking further advice from one of Colbea’s business advisers. “I set myself ambitious targets, but to date I am meeting them. Nonetheless, the business needs to grow and that’s why it makes sense to add the perspective of someone who can bring specific business skills and be objective”, says David. “That’s exactly what Colbea provides, and for start-up businesses like mine, the fact that the advice is free, is very attractive!”
Marketing the business was a crucial factor. Without a shop front, David knew that he had to publicise himself as creatively as possible. From sending mail-shots to knocking on doors and writing to galleries, his marketing policy has paid dividends. Framewerks has donated card and frames for children’s summer art classes held by The Minories Gallery in Colchester, and has helped put together scenery for a local school’s play. David takes every opportunity he can to market his products, and whenever possible, offers special deals to clubs, art groups, photographers, etc.
One of his more unusual services is to frame articles of babies’ clothing. This ‘memory in a frame’ has proved extremely popular, especially with grandparents bringing items such as dungarees or booties to be framed as a present for their children and grandchildren. In fact if you want it framed, Framewerks can frame it!
David puts his success down to innovation, hard work, strong marketing and of course, excellent preparation. Framewerks can be contacted on 01206 575041, or go to www.framewerks.co.uk
