NAGS bulletin: Setting up alone
A woman who has successfully turned her passion for horses into a thriving business, and has been shortlisted for a women’s new business start-up award, believes determination and persistence are the keys to “going it alone”.
Chloe Giles, of Gee Gee Images, says: “I have worked for other people’s companies all my life but have always wanted to work for myself. By setting up my own business I am now in control of what I do and how I do it, which is far more satisfying.”
Chloe has ridden since she was a child, has her own horse and has been a committee member for her local bridleways association. It was during her time on the committee that she identified a need for a professional service to assist show organisers with schedules and publicity.
“Gee Gee Images caters for events of all types and sizes, from your local annual charity show to major national events,” she explains. “The company offers design, print, direct mail, media planning, free local onsite event photography and a tailored show administration package, as well as sponsorship packages for shows who use our service.”
Chloe sensibly set up her business in an area that she has considerable experience already thanks to her career background in publishing, media and advertising.
“Setting up on your own is very hard work and shouldn’t be done lightly,” she advises, “however, as long as you do your research and are passionate about what you are doing, there is no reason not to.
“I believe making a success of your own business is a lot about attitude. You have to be determined to succeed and never let set backs get you down. Be confident in your own ability and get stuck in.”
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For more information about Gee Gee Images visit: www.geegeeimages.co.uk or (tel: 020 8318 3596).
What makes good grooms?
Student Cheryl Bridgewater of Sparsholt college is undertaking a project titled: “Are colleges the answer to the ever increasing demand for capable grooms?”
She is trying to establish whether college or industry-based training is the best option for producing staff for the equine industry, and for the careers of these workers.
She would like to hear the views of grooms, students, graduates and those who work in the industry. She is also interested in any statistics people may have relating to college and industry-based training.
Contact Cheryl (tel: 01962 711949) or email: cjb_spring78@yahoo.co.uk
Course spaces still available
Otley College in Suffolk has four new members of staff to help students with their equine studies. Alison Barber is the new equine studies curriculum leader and is joined by Arabella Hardy, Karen King and Laura Sparrow.
Otley College still has some places left on the national certificate (including BHS 1&2) or the advanced national certificate (including BHS 3 & PTT), which are based at its main campus, near Ipswich. For further information (tel:01473 784224/784225) or email: abarber@otleycollege.ac.uk
Become a member
Membership of NAGS is free to all bona fide grooms and students. Benefits include: Horse & Hound subscription at £1 per copy, £3 discount voucher on a sack of Blue Chip Dynamic, 10% discount on Splash Equestrian equipment and clothing, no P&P charges from Equestrian Vision mail order and eligibility for NAGS-only competitions and offers.
If you are interested in becoming a member, write to: NAGS, Room 2018, Kings Reach Tower, Stamford Street, London SE1 9LS (tel: 020 7261 6993), or e-mail: nags@ipcmedia.com
And remember, the club is open to all students, not just those studying for an equine qualification.
If you have any news or information you think would make a story for the NAGS weekly bulletin, please e-mail details to: kerry_bowness@ipcmedia.com
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.