Couple swap sunshine of Dubai for warmth of North East business community
Husband and wife team Paul and Laura Robinson have left behind tax-free salaries and endless sunshine of Dubai to grow their new business in the North East.
The pair met in the United Arab Emirates where former professional golfer Paul was working with some of the biggest brands in golf, distributing products throughout the Middle East, and Laura worked as a nurse.
But after five years of their ‘Neverland’ lifestyle, and with the birth of their daughter, the couple wanted more ownership of their careers.
They decided to launch their own business offering clients the ability to customise premium golfing apparel and accessories with intricate designs featuring their own branding, icons and tartans.
And Gateshead-born Laura said there was no contender when it came to picking a base for their family and business. “We knew if we were going to do it, it had to be in my native North East,” she said.
“We’ve lived all over the world but nowhere compares to home when it comes to setting up a business. It’s so much more secure here and there is excellent support to help you get started.”
Within just five months of launching their business Fourteen Twenty-One – named after the birth of golf in Scotland – they’d secured bookings from ten of Scotland’s most prestigious golf clubs including The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Dumbarnie Links and Lundin Links.
And with funded guidance provided by their Business Adviser Rita Callender from the North East BIC, they’re now building on these firm foundations with other golf venues across the UK. They’re also expanding into corporate branding with the likes of distilleries, banks and car companies.
Paul and Laura’s start-up support was provided courtesy of the Enterprising North programme, which is delivered by a unique consortium of local delivery partners across the Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland area.
Rita met the couple regularly to give their business the best chance of success, providing support to identify the right suppliers, expand networks, secure grant funding for website development and much more.
“We had a bit of a rocky start in Dubai with some bad decisions with suppliers,” said Laura. “We quickly realised how many sharks were ready to take our money and provide terrible service.
“Then we came home and met Rita! It was a huge relief. The fact that she has no hidden agenda and no expectation from our relationship was like a breath of fresh air. She just has our best interests at heart and wants to see us do well.
“Since we met Rita, we’ve made only good decisions and worked with trusted, reliable professionals who she has helped connect us to. She has protected and sheltered us but the way she has energised us with her warmth and guidance has been just as important to us.
“We wouldn’t be where we are now with the business if it wasn’t for Rita. Her sound financial advice and guidance has ensured the business’s survival through this tricky first year.”
Laura and Paul are now planning to develop a Fourteen Twenty-One app to allow customers to collaborate on the design of their products – creating theatre in their sales pitches and further differentiation in the marketplace.
Rita added: “It’s a real coup for North East to be able to attract the talent and ambition of Paul and Laura and the Enterprising North programme is all about getting these exciting businesses started on our doorstep.
“I’m so pleased to know that the warmth of our business community more than makes up for those sunny days of Dubai and I’m excited to see where the Fourteen Twenty-One brand goes next.”
The support from the North East BIC forms part of the Enterprising North Programme which is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.