Founded in 2019, Prior is a non-for-profit award winning independent shop, gallery, and workshop space.
Founder Beck Prior states:
“We want to ensure everything we do creates a positive impact for our local and wider community, and of course, the planet. 100% of the profits that we make are fed back into community workshop provision, local creative projects to improve social issues, charity donations and more”.
During the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic Prior found, as a new business, the pandemic started to affect the way the business functioned, with no eligibility for grants, or the self-employment grant. The business was plunged into a state of uncertainty.
“I hadn’t even been open a year and the country was advising people to stay at home. I knew it would hugely affect retail and I needed financial advice but also emotional support. I desperately needed to voice my concerns and worries with someone impartial who could help me”
That’s when Beck sought help from the Growth Hub. Over the last three years the Growth Hub have supported Prior through its evolvement, with access to programmes such as, The Good Employment Charter, Tech for Growth, and signposted Beck towards different grant opportunities.
"Growth Hub have supported me over the last 3 years through all stages of my business growth. My advisor Sian has become a friend who cheerleads me at every milestone, encouraging and supporting me as the business grows."
Building upon the support provided by Sian and the Growth Hub, Prior has been able to reach new heights and implement new practises within the business.
"Growth Hub has enabled me to learn about writing funding applications and how to manage my business better. The business mentoring I have received has guided me through maximising revenue, confidence with pivotal changes, and even pricing of our services."
Asking if Prior would recommend the Growth Hub to other start-ups and businesses:
“If you haven’t reached out to Growth Hub I would do so immediately. They are a great bunch of people, all dedicated in doing their best for local independent businesses. If you’re in need of serious business advice, or just a cheerleader the Growth Hub team tick all the boxes”.
