By Mandy Payne, Economic Development Officer
I have been involved with the local Jelly groups for over a year now. I often attend both Jelly groups in Wimborne and Christchurch and I am delighted with the way the groups are developing.
At the Wimborne Jelly recently, I met up with two local business people who enjoy coming along to the Jelly to meet up with other small business owners and make the most of the social aspect of the Jelly.
Jellies give small business owners the chance to chat about their businesses, to work in the company of others and to share useful contacts, experiences and ideas.
Interestingly, one of the business owners is a published author who at first didn’t see themselves as a ‘business person’. However, anyone selling a product they have created themselves is business person and can benefit from the support that the Jellies offer. The other business person pointed out the benefit of having a Jelly for creative business owners who may work at home most of the time.
Most weeks at the Wimborne Jelly, one of the small business owners offers free advice on computers and other related products and another small business owner who creates and sells homemade produce has brought some along for others to sample.
More and more people are setting up businesses from home. The Jellies provide a weekly base where small business owners can work, chat and share experiences and ideas.
In the coming months we’ll be building on the work we’ve already achieved with the Jellies. If you have any ideas on how we can develop the Jellies further please email me at mpayne@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk.