A ‘start and grow’ scheme operated to help new businesses has opened a window of opportunity for a stained glass studio in York.
Woodside Stained Glass was created by Megan Barnett and Zoe Harrigan, who conserve and restore panels of glass that can date back several centuries, as well as making new stained glass commissions.
As newcomers to business they have been supported in its early business stages by a startup programme commissioned by City of York Council through Momentic’s Start and Grow York programme, commissioned through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver tailor-made support for start-ups and early-stage businesses in the city.
As newcomers to setting up a business, Zoe and Megan faced received advice from Lydiatt, Business Advisor at Momentic, on everything from the practicalities of getting formally registered as a business to developing their marketing and sales strategies and identifying initial priorities to focus on.
With Steven’s advice, the pair felt more confident in making key business decisions, like opting to outsource finances to an accountant rather than handling everything themselves.
The business is looking into ways to help preserve their craft for future generations. Having already taken on two interns from the University of York over the summer, Megan and Zoe are hoping to explore working with apprentices as well as running public workshops and community engagement projects to help as many people as possible engage with stained glass.
Claire Foale, Interim Director of City Development at City of York Council, said: “It’s great to see how our UKSPF partners like Momentic are helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to get a foot in the door as they get established, and grow, in our city.
“For centuries, York has been world renown for the skill and quality of our stained glass. With more medieval stained glass in the city than anywhere in the UK, stained glass is part of the city’s DNA. It’s fantastic to see how people like Megan and Zoe are now carrying on this legacy, literally making history everyday as they provide opportunities for the next generation of craftspeople to ensure that this at-risk trade survives for future generations to enjoy over the centuries to come.”
