Award boost for top Bradford on Avon gift business
9:00am Sunday 10th March 2013 in News
Directors Neil Coxon and Helen Stephens of Bradford on Avon-based business From You to Me with some of the gift books that they publish
Bradford on Avon gift business From You To Me has reached the regional finals of Local Business Accelerators, winning an advertising package with the Wiltshire Times and mentoring from Stella Weeks of Mainline Employment Ltd.
From You To Me, which sells journals that capture, share and discover life stories, will also have the chance of progressing to the national stages of the competition, which will see the overall LBA winner receive mentoring support from the Dragons’ Den’s Deborah Meaden.
Local Business Accelerators is an initiative by the regional press industry to boost local businesses, fronted by the Dragons' Den's Deborah Meaden and supported by the Business in You.
Neil Coxon, 49, from Murhill, set up the business five years ago after making a personal book for his father, who died of terminal cancer.
He began making journals for mothers and fathers, which contained inspiring questions to help capture their stories and preserve precious memories, and pitched them to local gifts shops.
After receiving positive feedback he set up the business, which now has 25 titles, each for every occasion and relationship. Despite selling in excess of 700,000 journals around the world Mr Coxon, managing director, said: “We are trying to find someone to help because you never know if you are doing things right.
“We are very good at marketing for the trade, but the consumer needs to know more. We have been looking at how we can market and advertise to the consumer, which is part of the awards scheme.
From You to Me won Best New Product at the New York Stationery Show four months ago and having already shipped to Canada, Aus-tralia, South Africa and Ireland, they are now looking into the American market.
From You To Me has a small team of four people, but they are looking to recruit more members as their business grows.
The two other Wiltshire finalists are Careers 4 Students in Swindon and Biteback Products in Devizes
