Press Release: Enterprising Coventry helps give city an American flavour

A Coventry company with an American edge is looking to branch out after receiving support from an Enterprising Coventry business coach.
American Imports, based in Coventry Market, has enjoyed an incredibly successful first 18 months and the owners are now looking to move to a bigger store in the city centre.
Owners Lisa Hollins and Michelle Conway are also investigating the possibility of including an American-style diner in the shop if the move goes ahead as planned this year.
The pair came up with the idea to sell American products in the UK when they discovered a shared passion for food from the United States while dropping their children off at school.
When the company moved to the area in June 2008 they enlisted the help of Enterprising Coventry.
Enterprising Coventry provides a range of support to boost business and enterprise in the city through its delivery partners Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Amazon Initiatives and the Women’s Business Development Agency.
As part of its relationship with Enterprising Coventry, American Imports has received tailored one-to-one support through personal business coach Tracy Turner.
Since its launch the company has also established successful website www.4thofjuly.co.uk and finished as winners in the Best New Venture category of the 2009 Godiva Awards.
Michelle Conway, from American Imports, said: “We discovered Enterprising Coventry through our ties with Coventry Market.
“Our business coach Tracy has been a great help and always keeps us informed about grants and other things that might interest us.
“It would have made things more difficult for us if we had not had this help from Enterprising Coventry and we would not have got this far without their assistance.”
Enterprising Coventry can also provide financial advice, help with budget planning and guidance on potential expansion and diversification.
Tracy Turner, from Enterprising Coventry, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see what Michelle and Lisa have achieved.
“They work incredibly hard and are very determined to keep reaching their goals and moving the business forward.
“The business is having a positive impact on the city as by supplying niche products it means Coventry can offer something different - and that attracts people to the area.
“By setting up a website they have been very shrewd as it means they can offer their products to a much wider customer base.”
For further information on Enterprising Coventry call 0800 030 5344.

ENDS

Media enquiries:
Simon Gilbert
Advent Communications
2 Edison Building
Electric Wharf
Sandy Lane
Coventry CV1 4JA
Tel: 024 7663 3636
http://www.advent-communications.co.uk