All a couple could want for the big day

Gill Payne has turned her passion and knowledge of weddings into a new business, with help from Blackpool Council.

Gill decided to utilise her years of experience of organising wedding fairs by setting up Moments in Time, a one-stop shop which will help people celebrate their special day.

Located in Cedar Square, in the town centre, the new shop promises to take the stress and hassle out of organising everything needed for those big events – from wedding dresses and steel bands, to an in-house photographic studio.

She said: “I have spent years organising wedding fairs, bringing all the wedding specialists together in one place.

“I have also planned events for charities and local businesses.

“I used to work in the family printing business, but once it closed due to the retirement of the other directors, I started to think about what I really enjoyed doing.

“Then it struck me – weddings and events.

“I started making enquiries and found everyone so very encouraging.

“My wedding business contacts expressed surprise it had taken me so long.

“The council helped me put a thorough plan together to apply for a business loan, which has enabled me to launch my brand new venture.

“I’m not ready to retire.

“There is a lifetime of work in me yet.”

Gill was helped with her business plan by the council’s Get Started service – a professional service for Blackpool residents looking to start a new business.

Almost 1,000 businesses have been assisted to start in the resort over the past eight years.

Coun Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for business and economic development, said: “It’s really inspiring to see Gill take a hobby of hers and turn it into a successful business.

“It’s fantastic that Gill can utilise her passion of helping people plan their special occasions and turn this into what will hopefully be a successful business.

“Ninety per cent of the businesses that Get Started has helped in the last two years are still operating and in some cases, doing very well indeed.

“That’s because businesses can still benefit from our expert advice and support, even after they are up and running.”

To find out if you could become your own boss, contact Get Started on (01253) 477147 or search www.blackpool.gov.uk/getstarted