It might sometimes seem that one key event or insight is the magic wand that’s waved, or the switch that’s flicked, to instantly change a young company’s fortunes.

Often though – sometimes through luck, sometimes careful planning – things simply happen one after another, and their combined effect is equally transformative.

Alison Bick was happily running her new lampshade-design business when just such a succession of events became a launchpad to better things. She was contacted out of the blue by the producers of BBC’s ‘Escape to the Country.’ They were about to film an episode about someone relocating to Cornwall who wanted to become involved in the county’s thriving crafts and design sector.

Google had served up Alison’s site, the producers made contact and, long story short, Alison and her business were featured on the popular show. Not only did this bring her lampshades and cushions to the attention of many interested viewers, it also led to stockists getting in touch in such numbers that she was able to exceed the target-number she’d set herself for the year. Alison’s Business Development Manager had already been working with her on pricing to help her move into selling wholesale while still maintaining a good margin.

This move was one of Alison’s plans for growth. In tandem with that, the upgrade of her own website allowed her to start selling directly to the public without the need of third party site – Etsy.

But ask Alison what the single most memorable part of her Breakthrough journey was, and her answer is a trip to London. Top Drawer is the UK’s leading design-led trade show which brings together many top design and lifestyle brands.

Alison says:

It’s like a trade show and I was able to see what products were there, and what was selling, because at the time I wasn’t selling wholesale. We all went up on the train, which was great fun, plus there was loads of networking with other businesses from Cornwall. I also had the chance to talk to others who were already at the point I wanted to be at.

Alison’s also very clear that however much input and advice you get (and Breakthrough gives you a lot), and no matter how much clear-sighted planning you do, your business journey will inevitably feature elements you’ll look back on and cringe at. Which is why, when asked what gift she’d give other business-owners just starting out, she says:

The gift of hindsight. We all make mistakes when we’re setting up the business, we all go through a similar challenging process.

Whatever Alison’s mistakes might have been, and however much she wishes she’d never made them, it’s clear that things are looking up for her business. She’s recently branched out into showing people how to make their own lampshades using kits she began selling for the festive gift market.

Alison admits she’s “no Holly Willoughby,” but says her YouTube tutorial is easy to follow and, with each kit containing everything you need, results are impressive and easy to come by.

If the kind of help Alison’s had from Breakthrough sounds like help your young business could use, get in touch and find out more.