Stereotype challenger makes it to top five in nationwide pitch contest

An online retailer challenging stereotypes in children’s clothes, books and toys made it through to the top five of a nationwide NatWest contest.

Clare Willetts, CEO and Founder of not only pink and blue, was among more than 750 entrepreneurs taking part in the 10K Challenge.

The aim was to help perfect a killer 60-second business pitch.

The winner received £10,000 to develop their business.

In her pitch, Clare, of Wimborne, highlighted how she had launched her business to challenge the tradition of dressing girls in pink and boys in blue.

She said: “After all, there are 11 colours and over 10 million shades to choose from.

“As well as all the colours, I wanted to see more inclusive books with diverse role models, and toys that feed imaginations.”

The judges included Julie Baker, Head of Enterprise and Climate Engagement at NatWest and Gordon Merrylees, NatWest’s Managing Director of Entrepreneurship.

Commenting on her pitch they said: “Clare’s pitch clearly outlined how subtle changes in colours and products can lead to massive changes in attitudes.

“Her ability to tackle the growing issue of gender stereotypes and behaviours at source in a proactive, rather than reactive, manner had the judges incredibly impressed.”

Clare said: “I was delighted to be in the top five.

“The judges could really see the impact and potential of not only pink and blue.

“Winning a place on the NatWest Accelerator programme will be so helpful in growing not only pink and blue.”

Clare founded not only pick and blue in 2019.

Before launching her own business she was Managing Partner of advertising agency M&C Saatchi and Brand Director and Head of Customer Experience at Virgin.

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Firms facing fresh controls eligible for £2,000 government grant 

New controls on imports and exports are due to come into effect at the UK border in April and July.

They’re implemented as the government begins to ramp up implementation of its post-Brexit border operating model. 

To ready themselves for the changes, businesses can now apply for grants of up to £2,000 from the government to pay for practical customs training, advice and support delivered by international trade experts, Business West. 

Businesses can now apply for a share of the £20m SME Brexit Support Fund through PWC on behalf of HMRC and secure their spot at an upcoming Business West training course.

Catherine Stephens, pictured left, Head of International Trade Services at Business West, said: “The government grant funding to help businesses access fundamental import and export support comes at a welcome time for companies.

“Companies must act now if they are uncertain about any of the new regulations.

“I strongly encourage these firms, both big and small, to apply for the funding, whether they are trading for the first time or if they just need to brush up on their knowledge.

“If firms are not ready for the changes come April, this could cause potential delays and incur avoidable costs for businesses.

“Our expert team with years of experience in international trade will ensure they are prepared for the changes in April.”

More details can be found here.

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Residential development opportunity launched to market

A 1.83 acres (0.74 hectares) residential development land opportunity in Lytchett Matravers has been brought to market.

National property consultancy Carter Jonas is acting on behalf of Wessex Water.

The site, off Purbeck Road, has planning consent for 25 residential dwellings, including ten affordable homes.

With access to the east, it is surrounded by other residential developments.

Facilities within its immediate vicinity include a convenience store, primary school and some independent retailers.

Poole is six miles away.

Carter Jonas was instructed on Wessex Water’s disposal programme to market the land which is surplus to the water company’s requirements.

Colin Scragg, pictured right, Partner, South West Commercial, Carter Jonas, said: “There is a good level of demand for development land within the area, and this site offers an excellent opportunity to potential purchasers.

“On account of its historic use within Wessex Water’s portfolio, the land is well located and accessible, within easy reach of the region’s employment areas and popular leisure facilities and attractions.”

The site is offered by informal tender, with best offers to be submitted by midday on March 31.

Full details of the method of sale are available here.

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Just add water as sustainable toiletries brand is stocked by &keep

Eco-friendly website &Keep is now stocking the sustainable, plastic-free toiletries brand, Milly & Sissy.

Launched by two sisters in 2020, all Milly & Sissy products come in powder form, with customers adding their own water at home, making them a brand with a low carbon footprint.

Natasha Ray launched &Keep with husband, John, in 2017.

It stocks products that support people to live a plastic-free and more mindful lifestyle.

Natasha, pictured, said: “We chose to stock Milly & Sissy because they live and breathe sustainability, just like us.

“As well as their products looking and smelling great, they are two sisters who want to really make a difference to the world in which we live.

“That really appeals to what we believe in at &Keep.

“I’m always keen to support female-owned businesses because I feel that there is quite a lot of under representation of women in the market and I want to redress that balance.

“I have a great platform from which to support more female-run eco brands.”

In January of this year Natasha became one of the UK’s 100 most inspirational female entrepreneurs for her work as a Keep Britain Tidy Litter Hero, a public speaker on plastic pollution and an Eco Schools Green Flag Assessor, as well as an advocate for women in the workplace.

&Keep currently employs five women who make up the majority of staff.

The company offers accessible employment to those who need to manage childcare alongside their career.