Business Support Case Study: Coker and Clarke
About the business
- Business name: Coker and Clarke (Eastbourne)
- Support programme: Ready To Grow 2024
- Participant name: Karen Clarke
Coker and Clarke are an online independent textile company specialising in sustainable fabrics for both men and women to sew into fabulous clothing and homeware.
We sell in 10cm increments so you can buy the amount you want, save money, reduce waste and get inspired. We also stock dressmaking patterns and essential haberdashery items including tools, thread, trims, elastic and fasteners.
Why they signed up to the business support programme
I signed up to Ready to Grow as I wanted to learn about how to successfully run a new small business and to specifically learn more about sales and marketing (which is my focus in 2025).
Karen Clarke
What support they received
A blend of one-to-one support with online and in-person workshops in Marketing, Strategy, Value Proposition, Finance and HR including masterclasses in topics chosen by the participants.
How this has helped the business
I attended several online workshops which looked at different aspects of running a small business and included a sales masterclass and a marketing workshop. These were ideal as they provided me with up-to-date information on how to best approach these two topics and what my next steps are to promote my business and increase brand awareness.
Karen Clarke
Wider benefits from supporting this business
The programme put me in touch with several small business owners at networking events who were not only passionate about their business but were able to help me launch my brand and business website. The combination of “who you know” and “what you know” that the programme provided was invaluable.
Karen Clarke
Contact
For more information on the business support programmes provided by East Sussex County Council, contact the Economic Development Team.
Economic.Development@eastsussex.gov.uk
Ready To Grow is a training programme for early-stage business owners, funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and a collaboration between Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother and Wealden District/Borough Councils. It is supported by East Sussex County Council and delivered by Digital Islands.
