By Janice Marsh, business adviser:
We continue to be amazed by the creativity of the start-up businesses we help and Pronto Spanish is no exception.
Spanish for all ages made fun
Founded by Jill Wright after she moved back to the UK after living in Spain for over 19 years, Jill’s classes introduce Spanish for mother and toddler groups, nurseries, after school clubs and private one to ones, as well as teaching adult beginners too. In addition to running her own business Jill is also co-author of a story based book for children learning English. I caught up with Jill to get her take on her start up journey:
Describe your business?
I offer full dynamic classes for people of all ages wanting to learn Spanish. Children need to enjoy themselves and if you can capture their interest from the beginning then the learning is second nature. My class theme changes frequently and include messy play, songs, story time and a puppets. I don’t speak any English in class but I have lots of props.
Where did your idea come from?
I have been living in Spain for 19 years and teaching in a bi lingual school. I travelled to Spain when I was 23 to practice my Spanish and I never left. I like to set myself realistic goals and a plan of action to work towards, so when I moved back to the UK I decided rather than work for someone else I’d use my experience of being a teacher and start my own business.
What is your unique selling point?
I think fun. Fun is the word not only for children but also for the adults as well. If you can make people laugh then you have their interest.
What help did you receive from the BIC?
Janice was amazing, she has given me so much advice. I attend the Enterprise Clubs every month, and the help has been invaluable.
What are your company goals?
I would like to look in my diary every morning and it be full of classes. A short term goal is to have two to three nurseries as well as having two adult classes. Main aim is to be full time.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Never give up if you have an idea. You have to be realistic, but you also have to believe in yourself and if you can make others believe too, then that’s what it’s all about.
The programme run by the BIC is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.47m ERDF investment. Working in a consortium led by North East Enterprise Agencies Ltd (NEEAL) local Enterprise and Development Agencies in the North East have matched this ERDF investment with £1.47m of their own funds.
For information on starting your own business please contact the Start team on 0191 516 6149.
