Bettie-Marie’s start-up boost
A WEXFORD-BASED entrepreneur is out to prove that small business can be beautiful after spotting a gap in the market to assist start-ups.
Number 12 Lower George’s Street, in Wexford town, which has been vacant for the past two and a half years, has recently been brightened up and occupied by a collection of small start-up businesses who officially opened their premises last week.
Bettie-Marie Burger-Smit, wellknown in hospitality and tourism circles in Wexford, recently returned from working in Dublin to start up her own consultancy business, LightBulb Solutions, which assists in hospitality, retail and tourism.
Joining her in Number 12, is Pinaldo Design and Alterations, operated by Aldo Nel, who originally also hails from South Africa, has over 30 years’ experience in the making of bespoke clothes, as well as tailoring and alterations.
Another start-up is Find-a Chef, owned by Emmet Maher, who is facilitating the shortage of chefs currently experienced in the hospitality trade, to assist clients with both short and medium-term assistance by providing chefs of various skill levels to businesses depending on their current requirements.
He is also assisting with operational and kitchen solutions, as well as exploring the outdoor catering and chef training in the future.
The final, but not finite company to operate from Number 12 is iClaims, loss assessors and claims consultants. Martin Mulhall has his original operation in Celbridge, however, is now expanding to Wexford, and bringing his years of experience in claims assessing to Wexford and surrounds
‘I was only looking for a small office space, however when we saw this property it all became clear. I believe this type of collaboration can assist other small enterprises just starting up, and it could be well worth anyone interested in starting their own business to talk to others and see if there is scope in pursuing this cost-effective route,’ said Bettie-Marie.
There are already two others looking at joining the group in Number 12, and anyone interested in contacting any of these businesses, should call LightBulb Solutions on 087 9404444, Pinaldo Design & Alterations on 087 096 6496, Find-a-chef 087 775 6811 or iClaims on 01-6272802.