A local female entrepreneur and her business – Bluebird Interiors – are being showcased by community bank Metro Bank as part of its partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Bluebird Interiors will feature in the new campaign designed to inspire women to achieve their potential in business, cricket and life. The campaign – which launches on September 16th - showcases how the female led Brighton business was centre stage at The 1st Central County Ground during England Women’s series against New Zealand, thanks to Metro Bank.
Bluebird Interiors specialise in restoration, interior design and project management. The company was created when its owner Jennifer became a mum and realised did not want to work on someone’s schedule as this would impact on spending time with her daughter.
Recent research found that 55% of women say going it alone is a barrier to starting their own business. Metro Bank not only supports women in business through the Investing in Women programme, but also provides every entrepreneur with a local business manager to support them from start-up and as the company grows. As part of this campaign, Metro Bank has used its role as role of Champion of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket to demonstrate its support, and through telling the story of Bluebird Interiors, aims to inspire other women to see their potential.
Jennifer has been with Metro Bank for six years, following advice from her accountant, but it was so much more than she expected when she met her local business manager Max Walton. “When I met Max, I felt like he really genuinely had an interest in me, I haven't quite felt that warmth in other banks that I've been to.”
Max Walton, local business manager, Brighton Metro Bank said: “Relationships with our customers is what really makes us stand out to our competitors. Jennifer knows I'm always available to help support her.”
Jennifer encourages other female entrepreneurs thinking about taking the plunge and setting up their own business: “You will have some people being negative, you will have some people questioning your ability. But if you really believe you can do it, just do it. Once you've got your momentum, just put your blinkers on a little bit, see your target and just go for it.”
The new campaign will include customer case study videos shared across Metro Bank and ECB channels to promote Bluebird Interiors. Jennifer was thrilled to be chosen: “When Max called me and told me all about this, it absolutely blew my mind. We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of preparing for the campaign including the photo shoot and then seeing us up on the big board, the cricket and even people recognising me at the cricket and going, oh, that's you, that's you on the screen. It's all been super, super surreal, but an amazing experience as well. And it's actually made me feel really proud of myself.”
As part of the campaign, Jennifer was invited to the ground to see her business and brand up in lights. Sarah Glenn, England Cricketer said: “Our partnership with Metro Bank has created so many opportunities for young girls, both in sport and outside of sport, to excel in their careers.”