JULIE BRITTON: ENTERPRISING MOVE

Julie Britton set up Britton’s Bears and Bunting with the help of the UK Government’s New Enterprise Allowance.

The Wigan entrepreneur had worked for airlines for 21 years before being made redundant last March.

She signed up for Jobseeker’s Allowance after her search for work led to countless rejections.

“It was my son Dayle who suggested I made bears. I was a machinist when I left school,” explained Julie.

She bought a pattern from eBay and her creation was a success so she continued making more memory bears from recycled fabrics including old airline uniforms.

Julie was offered New Enterprise Allowance and referred to a business mentor, receiving £65 weekly for 13 weeks then £33 for 13 weeks.

“I was really low before I started the business. I felt I had no direction. Having the business has given me focus and really perked me up.”

Fashion icons Julien Macdonald and Paul Costelloe, both designers of British Airways uniforms, have praised Julie’s work.

“We don’t know what the future will bring but my little business is now established and will carry me forward.”