Textiles business makes the cut
Grant for Test Valley Textiles
Test Valley Borough Council has awarded a £500 Business Incentive Grant to Patricia Ireland to reward her hard work setting up her new business, Test Valley Textiles, based in Andover.
Patricia’s experience, both in the textiles industry and teaching the subject at a secondary school, meant she was well equipped to launch Test Valley Textiles earlier this year. Her new company offers dressmaking services, repairs and alterations as well as made to order soft furnishings, curtains and blinds. Patricia still has a passion for teaching and also offers a tutoring service for anyone studying GCSE textiles. Patricia also offers a ten per cent Defence Discount and has recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Patricia said: “I’m really pleased that my new business allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds. I love working with clients and creating unique items for them or repairing old favourites, but I also enjoy tutoring anyone who is keen to learn and develop new skills or wanting help with GCSE textiles. I’d like to thank Test Valley Borough Council for the grant and for the support during the early months of my business. To find out more, visit www.testvalleytextiles.co.uk.”
Ward member for Millway, Councillor Jim Neal, said: “Patricia is a worthy recipient of the Council’s Business Incentive Grant. She has worked incredibly hard to launch Test Valley Textiles and she has put a lot of time into building relationships within local business networks. I wish Patricia the very best of luck in her new venture.”
The Council’s Business Incentive Grants are available to anyone looking to set up their own business in Test Valley. Anyone who successfully applies for the grant after 1 April 2016 will receive a grant of £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.