Enterprising businesses honoured in Enfield (From Enfield Independent)

Enterprising businesses honoured in Enfield

5:46pm Monday 2nd November 2009

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FOUR Enfield businesses have been honoured for their enterprising and innovative work in the community.

Enterprise Enfield's Business Awards Evening, at the Royal Chace Hotel, The Ridgeway, rewarded companies that have shown hard work, determination and initiative during the difficult economic climate.

My Coffee Stop won green business of the year, Yoga4mums took the Barclays innovative business of the year award and KCO Inline Ice Skating Ltd was recognised as start-up business of the year.

Overall business of the year was awarded to Shine Marketing UK Ltd, based in Surrey, run by Domenica Di Lieto and Stephen Pratley.

Karen Mercer and Gunter Hollestein founded My Coffee Stop, at Enfield Chase Station, Windmill Hill, in January, and incorporated several creative green initiatives into their business.

The most successful of these was a book swapping scheme that allowed customers to borrow a book, make a donation and then re-donate the book after it was finished.

Other initiatives included using 100 per cent recyclable or biodegradable cups and donating rubbish to local recycling arts projects.

Cathy Underwood set up Yoga4mums last year after she became frustrated juggling work and home life as a working mum.

Her company encourages mothers to exercise and socialise, and includes pre- and post-natal classes, mother and baby classes, credit crunch workshops, and "business wellness days".

Through her "donation classes", Ms Underwood has raised £1,806 for charities including the Isobel Hospice and TreeHouse.

After receiving her award, she said: "I am enormously proud to receive this award tonight.

"Thank you to everyone at Enfield Enterprise and the RSA Inspiring women’s programme. Without your help, advice and guidance I believe my business idea would have remained just that.

"Instead, thanks to your support, I have been able to make my dream come true.”

KCO Inline Ice Skating, founded in 2008, is the first company in the UK to produce a "dry ice blade", which allows participants to perform skills and manoeuvres normally associated with ice skating, but on dry land.

The company found celebrity backing after Karen O’Neill and Karen Coombes appeared on Dragon's Den and convinced Theo Paphitis to invest £100,000.

Shine Marketing specialises in designing and building online shops for upmarket brands in the fashion, homeware, and health and beauty sectors.

Three years ago the directors, Domenica Di Lieto and Stephen Pratley, set up the company to help bridge the gap between large expensive London agencies and cheap freelancers.

Around 130 people attended the awards ceremony last Thursday, including Mayor of Enfield Eleftherios Savva, Edmonton MP Andy Love, and representatives from Greater London Authority, Enfield Council, London Development Agency and Business Link.

Enterprise Enfield provides information, expert advice and seminars for people setting up and developing businesses.

Winners of its annual competition, open to Enfield businesses and Enterprise Enfield clients, receive £1,000 and runners-up receive £500, provided by The RSA Trust and Barclays.

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