Two young entrepreneurs to trade on Portobello Market

22 June 2012

Two young entrepreneurs, Jo Hawtree and Emily Ellen Dell, whose business ideas have won them trading pitches on the world famous Portobello Market are preparing for their first day's trading on Saturday 30 June.

Jo, who is starting a men's fashion label called `Gunsmoke & Lavender', and Emily Ellen, who will sell bespoke art on canvas under the name `Girl on a Swing', won six months rent-free market stall space after been named winners of the Market Enterprise Launch Pad (MELP) last December. In addition to the trading pitch the pair also won £1,000 each in start-up funds and a support package from the Prince's Trust.

Emily Ellen said: "Time seems to be running away but I'm confident that it will all come together. With the help of the Council's Education Business Partnership team I was able to hold my first art exhibition at the Louise Blouin Foundation and got some great feedback.

"After winning MELP I instantly created a checklist of all the things I needed to achieve before the launch date. This involved sourcing various printing firms and working out the best way to buy in bulk and save money. I've started producing my art work on gift cards, book marks, post cards and, of course, still keeping up my canvases. Everything I purchase is logged so I can keep up to date with my funds. I'm currently in the process of setting up a meeting with HMRC so then I'll be fully prepared to deal with my tax when I start selling my work."

Jo Hawtree has been equally busy since winning last December. She's exhibited at the Ideal Home Show and Imperial College Rag Week Fashion Show and is working with a promotion company, Lottarox Agency, to have her label worn by emerging new musical talents.

Jo also got a loan from The Prince's Trust. Jo said: "I am really excited to have a space to trade on Portobello Market and cannot wait to meet my customers."

Councillor Nick Paget-Brown, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: "Jo and Emily have worked very hard to prepare the pitches for the launch. Having a pitch on such an iconic market is a real opportunity for any business starting out and I wish them every success trading."