Taggies

Haptic Ltd, PO Box 3648, Wells, Somerset BA5 2ZW

Tel: 01749 672437
Fax: 01749 677296
email: sales@haptic.co.uk

Web: www.haptic.co.uk Haptic, the UK and European distributor of Taggies, has an idyllic location in the South West of England, surrounded by green fields with plenty of cows and sheep. The  legendary Glastonbury Tor is visible on the horizon and the famous Festival site is not far off.

Wherever possible Managing Director Paul Hillary follows a policy of using local suppliers in key business support functions including IT design and web development, print and artwork and of course distribution. All stock is warehoused close by in Somerset.

The good motorway links ensure that deliveries can reach almost anywhere within the UK, Ireland or mainland Europe within 24-48 hours of order, which ties in well with  Haptic's just-in-time business ethos.  Paul says, ‘It's a great place to run a company as it helps keep a happy work-life balance'.

Haptic (derived from the Greek word haptikos - meaning the sense of feel and touch) was created after owners Jane and Paul discovered them on a trip to the US.

Flutterbies

12 Firlands Road, Barton, Torquay, Devon, TQ28EW

Tel: 01803 314336
Fax: 01803 329554
Email: order@flutterbies.net
http://www.flutterbies.net/

Lisa Black and Lorraine Mills set up on-line educational toy shop, Flutterbies in 2004.

Lisa explains, ‘We operate our business from our kitchen tables at home!  At present we have no plans to rent or buy premises. We also take our toys with us to local Parent & Toddler Groups, school fairs, local business' and Childminders. We also exhibit at Baby and Toddler Shows around the country.

 They describe Devon as ‘just perfect' because they both love living in the county. It has the advantage of being rural. ‘If we were in a city it would be more difficult to compete.  We can offer our customers lower prices and great service, ‘ Lisa adds candidely.

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Hippychick

Hippychick is a company well-known for supplying good quality products in the accessories market. Customer service, as a many testamonials highlight, is excellent. The company's key products are the Hippychick Hipseat and Wheeliebug Ride-On toys.

Hippychick was founded in 1999 by Julia Minchin who was frustrated that she could not find the quality, innovative nursery products that she wanted for her child.  Her husband Jeremy is a co-director.

Julia says the West Country is the ideal place to be based, ‘Who wouldn't want to be based in such a picturesque environment, surrounded by such beautiful countryside.  Both my husband  and I had previously worked in London and we wanted a better quality of life.  In this setting it is much easier to strike the right life/work balance. We both have family in the area and have got a great support network.  There is also the added bonus of having a number of beautiful beaches virtually on our doorstep!'

But its not just a question of scenery. Financially, the businesses is placed in a more affordable part of the country than many more urban areas; in terms of salary expectations, rental costs, good transport links etc.  Julia explains, ‘It allows us to maintain a good and consistent profit growth year on year, even in challenging times such as the current credit crunch.'

In the early days Hippichick took advantage of a number of grants from and via Business Link in Somerset, which helps towards some of the initial set-up costs.

Somerset and the South West in general is a rapidly growing area for new investment.  More and more businesses are re-locating to the region, or at the very least opening local offices to help cut down on the spiralling overheads that are part of city life. This has drawn many excellent professionals to the area.

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Cuddly Cosy Baby

Nymet Notions Limited, Kings Nympton, Umberleigh, North Devon EX37 9SR

Tel:  01769 581053
Email sales@nymetnotions.co.uk
Web: http://www.cuddlycosybaby.co.uk/

Lindsey Kersey took advantage of the wide range of support available to new businesses in North Devon, and has had one-to-one mentoring with the North Devon Enterprise agency and found grants that have enabled her to attend national trade shows. She launched her unique adjustable pouch sling for natural parenting two years ago and is about to launch a recycled Eco-version shortly.

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Frugi

The High Barn, Gear Farm, St Martin, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6DE

Tel:   01326 221 930
Web: http://www.welovefrugi/

The organic children's clothing company was set up during Lucy Jewson's maternity leave in the spare bedroom of their Cornish cottage. With a massive following for parents who also wanted velvet soft, fair trade and organic quality clothes she and her husband, Kurt, soon had to find new premises. High Barn is now the Frugi HQ.

Cornwall is a haven for creativity and small business development with funding and advise available from various organisations including Business Link, who  have  provided  all kinds of useul business advice.

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Gro-Group

gro-group International Limited, Linhay Business Park, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7UP 

http://www.gro-group.com/

Rob Holmes and his wife, Ouvrielle,  launched the grobag brand in September 2000 and in seven years baby sleeping bag usage rates in the UK have increased from 0.5% to 75%.  Grobag is the brand leader and is FSID's only recommended baby sleeping bag specialist.

 As with many nursery companies the couple could not find the product they most valued in the UK - a french style baby sleeping bag. so they began to import them.

Rob says. ‘I am not sure why we chose the West Country - it chose us!  We moved to Devon to help run a family business in 1994 and once we started having children, we never wanted to leave.'.