Press Release: Enterprising Coventry helps sculptor carve out room for success

A local artist is welding her way to success by selling her eye-catching pieces across Europe.

Sharon Dawkins launched The Sculpture Room in 2007 from the workshop she shares with her partner Philip, who runs PJC Welding on the Binley Industrial Estate.

Although Sharon has an artistic background, she admits she was just ‘playing around’ with metallic materials and started to create striking, contemporary works.

After receiving complimentary comments and requests for work, the Coventry based artist decided to turn it into a business rather than a hobby.

Sharon received advice from Enterprising Coventry, which was formerly known as LEGI, and in two years the company has started to build-up a strong customer-base.

“I was just playing around,” said Sharon. “My father was an artist and he developed my passion for art and design.

“Quite a few people said they liked what I was doing and I sold some pieces on eBay.

“I designed and launched my own website and had great help from Enterprising Coventry. It was nice to have someone to talk to.

“When you are on your own in a business, it’s good to bounce ideas off someone. Colin Bull, my adviser, has also given me a contact with a nationally renowned retailer which could prove to be useful.”

Such is The Sculpture Room’s meteoric rise, the company has received orders from France, Spain, Portugal and Poland as well as an anonymous celebrity designer.

“I took an order from a TV designer but I can’t say who it is just yet but it is a huge compliment,” said Sharon.

“As well as bringing in sales across the UK, I also have a steady stream of orders across Europe and I am also beginning to sell some other artists’ work which complements my own.

“It is great to have come this far in such a short space of time and my only decision now is whether I want to expand and take on other people. That would be the next stage of growth but it’s my baby and I don’t want to give up control!”

Colin Bull, an Enterprising Coventry business coach based at Coventry City Council, said: “Sharon is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a little self belief is combined with determination and the ability act on sound advice.”

For further information on how Enterprising Coventry could help your business contact the Enterprising Coventry helpline on 0800 030 5344.

Ends

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