Natalie graduates to her own business

Leaflet plan: Natalie White, left, and Jodie Magee from Dor to Dor

Natalie White, 24, from North Shore, started up DOR-2-DOR Fylde, a franchise which specialises in assisting local businesses to get their message out to consumers through direct mailing, offering a tailor made service at affordable prices.

The company assists with everything from bespoke leaflet creation and distribution to a co-operative mailer option called “letter box” which enables businesses to reduce costs by up to a third by sharing space on a leaflet.

But only a few months ago the firm, run by Natalie and her colleague Jodie Magee, were just another potential new business start with a sound idea and in need of some guidance on how to turn their plans into reality.

That’s when Natalie teamed up with Blackpool Council’s Get Started service - part of the Start Up Lancashire service supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Through attending one-to-one advice sessions and receiving guidance on everything from business planning to finance, the company is now up and running.

Natalie said: “I had worked in sales for many years before going to college to study, and I had looked at this sort of business but never really knew how to start, so I decided to choose a franchise.

“Our in-house design team supply web design, graphics, printing and also stationary to complement our leaflet distribution product and this level of detail has enabled us to develop a steady stream of business.

“Blackpool is renowned for starting new small businesses and we felt it was the right time to take advantage of this by offering an affordable service that can assist others to get started quickly and gain valuable new customers.

“The Get Started team continue to offer valuable advice and motivational support, non-judgemental and something rare in these times, free.”

Coun Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for urban regeneration, wished her success and said: “We’re delighted to have been able to help Natalie and it’s great to see a Get Started business that can actually help all the other young start up companies we have in Blackpool.”