Niki Mahon
This is the blog of entrepreneur Niki Mahon, founder of the sustainable homeware and jewellery brand NIKITA. This blog will explore various aspects of Niki’s professional life and personal interests, including a look at the rise of female entrepreneurs in the UK, the best ways to conduct a successful business rebrand and home renovation.
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Female Entrepreneurs
In 2022, according to the NatWest Group, over 150,000 new companies were established by women in the UK, a figure that had doubled compared to 2018. Furthermore, 20.46% of all incorporated businesses were female-led in 2022, compared to 2018’s figure of 16.65%. There are several factors behind the rise of female entrepreneurs in the UK, including advancements in gender equality, shifting perceptions of women in business, and government policies and initiatives designed to support female entrepreneurs. New digital platforms and technological advances have also played a key role, removing many of the barriers that, in the past, made entrepreneurship inaccessible to women in particular.
Rebranding a Business
When it comes to successfully rebranding a business, there are several essential elements to bear in mind. These include being clear on the reason behind the rebrand: there should be a compelling reason for change, and this needs to remain the focus of the entire undertaking. Before taking any action, a comprehensive strategy for the rebrand should be drawn up, with different members of the team designated to oversee each area of the rebrand. Publicising the rebrand and preparing existing customers for the forthcoming changes is also vital.
Home Renovation
There are many types of home renovation project, from whole-home renovations, like that being currently undertaken by Niki Mahon, to basement conversions and bathroom remodelling. While a whole-home renovation is likely to take many months, relatively smaller projects, such as a kitchen renovation, can take just a few weeks. The total cost of a renovation will depend on the work to be carried out, the builder used, whether planning permission is required, whether an architect will be instructed and how long the project will take to complete – not to mention any unforeseen circumstances that could occur.
While no two major renovation projects are the same, there are many shared steps that need to be taken. These include working out a budget, searching for and buying the property to be renovated, having a property survey carried out, and hiring an architect and designer. Next, whether planning permission is required should be ascertained and the process started if so. Once this has been granted a builder should be hired, access and waste disposal issues should be worked out, and a schedule of works should be drawn up before the renovation begins.