Meghan Rhodes transformed her herbalism business near Driffield from an apothecary into a thriving workshop hub, thanks to the expert guidance of Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services.
Meghan first launched her herbalism business – Rhodes Roots & Remedies – back in December 2021. Although it started life as an apothecary offering consultations and herbal medicines, Meghan now focuses mainly on sharing her vast knowledge of herbalism by hosting workshops and teaching others about the many benefits of herbal medicine.
She first reached out to the Business Support Services team in April 2022, just a few months after launching her new venture, as she was looking for business development advice, including help with financial forecasting.
As the Business Adviser allocated to help her, Richard Wright helped Meghan to develop some financial forecasts for the second and third year of her business. However, he has continued to support her ever since, helping her to evaluate her various income streams to determine which is the most profitable and providing her with revised financial forecasts based on the findings of this analysis. This invaluable information helped Meghan to redefine her business model, convincing her to shift away from offering consultations and running an apothecary in favour of focusing her efforts on teaching herbal medicine to others.
Richard also helped Meghan to submit a successful application for a Business Support Services grant. This has enabled her to buy a yurt for her business, which she intends to use to host new and enhanced workshops, and other learning events.
Speaking about the support that she’s received and what it has meant for her business, Meghan said: “Richard has been an absolutely invaluable adviser, guide and resource since the early days of my business journey. He’s been there every step of the way, as a trustworthy, experienced and knowledgeable adviser, helping me ensure that all of my offerings have been sound, lending an impartial eye and ear, and uncovering and affirming the countless ‘aha moments’ I’ve had over the last few years. He’s run so many sets of numbers for me, giving me the solid business logic to back up my developing business skills, as well as the instinct to pivot the business and focus more on what’s now my core set of offerings.”
She added: “Were it not for Richard, I never would have known about the Business Support Services grant, which has brought the purchase of a yurt, so I can bring the majority of my offerings in-house, forward an entire year, opening up revenue growth and stability much faster than would otherwise have been achievable. Richard emanates nothing but support and knowledge, and genuinely has an interest in my business succeeding. I always look forward to our catch-ups and am beyond grateful for all his support; long may it continue. My experience with Richard and the Business Support Services team has been so brilliant. I wouldn’t be without it and make sure I tell every business-owning friend about the brilliant, free support available to them through Invest East Yorkshire.”
Part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support team works closely with businesses on projects that will help them to grow and evolve, as well as identifying any sources of funding that may be available to help them. If you’re looking for support or to find out if you’re eligible for grant funding, go to www.investeastyorkshire.co.uk/business-support for more information.
