Lynne Forde
BA Hons English and Drama (2003)
Lynn is Managing Director of a hybrid business combining e-commerce marketing skills with a warehouse logistics operation specialising in online Gifts, Gift Baskets and Hampers. The business launched in September 2002 and is called Basketsgalore Ltd.
| What made you decide to set up your own business? | There wasn't a particular career path that I wanted to follow, but I did know that I wanted to be in full control of whatever I chose to do. Setting up a business from scratch to see how far I could make it grow seemed like a challenge. |
| What has been your biggest challenge so far? | Giving birth to my daughter by emergency c-section in November 2 weeks overdue. As Christmas accounts for 50% of our annual turnover, my maternity leave amounted to a grand total of 1 week! |
| What has been your biggest success or triumph so far? | So far over £2 million gift baskets sold. 90% sales originate and are delivered outside Northern Ireland. Customers include some of the largest corporations in the world including BP, JP Morgan, NBC, RBS, ArcelorMittal etc. The gift industry is horribly competitive and as a consequence our websites and ideas are constantly being copied by competitors - more often than not by very underhanded methods. But I remain true to my ideals and values and continue to strive to offer a long term service which many of my long term customers have come to rely on and my staff of 10 are expected to increase. |
| How do you feel your time at Queen's prepared you for this venture? | My time at Queen's taught me independence, resourcefulness and perseverance at all costs. Above all it taught me to have confidence in my own abilities, and that I have a responsibility to make a valued contribution to society. |
| What advice would you give someone considering starting a business? | Take little steps, and don't be afraid if you make a mistake. Always question what you are doing and listen to that little voice in your head. Concentrate on the positives, forget the negatives. Constantly learn, change and evolve or your business will decline. |
| What is your next ambition? | To apply the e-commerce business concept to other niche markets, and create a multi million pound corporate identity. |
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Any other comments you would like to make? |
Never blame poor performance on external environmental factors. There are so many variables that you can control or influence closer to home. Be positive and confident, and the broader environment will not seem so daunting. |
