Creative Parties
Being creative pays its way
Setting up your own business is daunting enough, especially when you’re working a full time job at the same time, but that didn’t stop Leicestershire based Creative Parties.
Set up by Michelle Begy and Jo Durnall six years ago, the company has transformed during that time from one writing and selling Murder Mystery Parties, to a one stop online shop for everything you need for your own successful party, to a sideline business selling women’s lingerie.
Michelle says: “We came up with the party idea when we wanted to host a murder mystery party but couldn’t find a game to help us do it. We met John Owens, co-owner of 360e Ltd (and at the time, a Business Link adviser), and he loved the idea. He immediately saw the potential which was the reassurance we needed as most people thought we were crazy!”
In November 2003 the pair launched the business and ran it part time alongside their jobs with a major publisher. Three years later, and after a period on maternity leave for Michelle, the duo gave up their jobs, re-launched the Creative Parties website and threw their all into making the business a massive success.
Now, three years on, Creative Parties employees four additional people and with the support of people like John and his company 360e, have successfully taken the business further than they ever anticipated.
“John has been hugely supportive throughout and has given us the right advice when we need it and at the same time has listened to our ideas and helped us develop them,” Michelle continues.
“When we began the business, games made up 80% of our revenue and the fancy dress the remaining 20%. It’s now the other way which is more profitable for us. We’ve invested heavily in our website and making it easy to use, find and high on the Google listings.
“Keeping ahead online has been one of the biggest challenges. It changes so frequently and coming high up in the main search engines is not easy. In fact, we’re in the process now of redoing our website to help improve our ranking.
“As for setting up a business, our advice is always to seek out the support of the professionals, like John and to keep in touch with them throughout. John is now more of a sounding board for us, but one that knows us and the business inside out and offers the support we need.”
John Owens runs 360e with business partner Sue Gordon. With over 40 years of experience between them, the company specialises in working with companies to help define their business, ICT needs and e-business strategies and goals.
John says: “Creative Parties is a great example of two business people with a different idea who have really made it fly. Their drive, determination and ability to adapt to economic circumstances as well as meeting the demands of incredibly savvy online shoppers has certainly helped drive the business forward and made it the success it is today.”
