Under The Posh Umbrella

At the same time, the business has caught the eye of several national brands who have registered their interest in working with Posh Butlers:

I’m in talks with the owners of a product line sold on QVC who are opening a new hair salon in Essex and they want to use my boys for their branding and monthly events. I’ve also had an author who wants to use Posh Butlers on the front of a book and I’ve even been in touch with the management team from The Only Way Is Essex… It’s absolutely mad

The rapid expansion of the business begs the question of what kind of miracle business plan Sarah has put in place. But her answer is surprising.

I’m not following one at all! It’s trial and error really, a learning process like anything. If it doesn’t work and I mess it up, so be it, but at least I can say that I’ve tried. What else can I do? I’m not going to throw the towel in because I could be a millionaire! Dreamboys started small and you never know do you?

Sarah admits she’s taking a risk, but this is a calculated risk and not her first experiment with setting up a business. Two years ago, she helped her mum set up a bridal boutique by writing the business plan, designing the website and business cards and generally helping to get the business off the ground. 18 months ago, Sarah dabbled with starting an events planning business (although this particular business plan is still sitting at the bottom of her wardrobe) and she has also got an online boutique, called Posh Boutique, where she sells a collection of clothes, shoes and accessories.

Eagle-eyed readers will have spotted the “Posh” link between the boutique and the butlers, and this is no coincidence. Sarah deliberately linked the names with the view to developing a Posh brand. “The future is having a Posh umbrella! Posh Butlers under one bit of the umbrella, the Posh Boutique under another, and so on. Next year I’m planning to expand into the bridal market as well. Obviously there is a connection to Posh being Peterborough, and also I’m a bit snooty with things like that, so Posh fitted. And I just think it’s a good name for a brand.”

Her plan seems to be working, as the momentum of Posh Butlers has breathed new life into the boutique and she has been busily adding new lines to her secondary business

This week I thought of menswear, so last night I sat listing items and it’s already going like hot cakes. I’ve had emails and orders already

Amazingly, this whirlwind of activity has all occurred before the official launch of the business. The first big event to formally unveil Posh Butlers has been planned for 18 January 2013. Sarah admits the whole thing has taken off much faster than she had anticipated, but this is no bad thing, and she is determined to keep up: “Where’s it going to be in another fortnight, or another two months… I don’t know! I’ll just go wherever it takes me, you have to be flexible.” ■

To find out more about Posh Butlers please visit

www.poshbutlers.co.uk

www.facebook.com/poshbutlers 

 07762 820868