Creative Scottish educational business contributes to Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit

EDINBURGH, U.K. - Feb. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Over half a million people took the step to start their own business in 2013; a UK record which looks likely to be beaten this year. The self-employed are 99% happier than when they worked for someone else*. They are leaving the workplace to take control of their lives – and in search of more satisfying and creative work. *Enterprise Nation Happiness and Health Survey, February 2014

With this information in mind, support from Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis is most welcome for Midlothian based Portfolio Oomph (http://www.portfolio-oomph.com/).

Julie Read from creative business Portfolio Oomph tweeted about her business to Theo as part of his Small Business Sunday (http://www.theopaphitissbs.com/) initiative. Each week, Theo rewards small businesses that tweet him @TheoPaphitis (https://www.twitter.com/theopaphitis) and describe their businesses in one tweet. He then reviews and chooses his favourite lucky six who are then re-tweeted. As he has over 450,000 followers, this provides a massive boost to the chosen businesses.

The yearly #SBS event that took place in Birmingham on 30 January is an extension to this support with networking opportunities, motivational speakers and a Q&A session.

Theo Paphitis says "My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club. Like-minded individuals can share successes and learnings. The #SBS website gives a valuable profile to the winners chosen to date.

I know I have been lucky in business and I am keen now to spread goodwill to others, of course not forgetting that very often, you make your own luck by making use of every opportunity."

Over 70% of new businesses are started from home. In doing so, business owners are educating the next generation of entrepreneurs also spending more time and money in their local economy.

The self-employed are spotting gaps in the market, starting niche businesses and this is how Portfolio Oomph established. Following 9 years of lecturing at Edinburgh College of Art Julie Read noticed that there really wasn't support on a one to one level for students making an art college application. And considering her experience of interviewing students for art college what better opportunity could present itself upon being made redundant in 2009.

Read says "As we all know there are all kinds of tutors to help school pupils achieve for most subjects. However, there is real gap here of assisting students getting into art college. It's very competitive and once exam grades have been achieved this doesn't necessarily get you your place. A strong creative portfolio and interview are the key and my experience and knowledge is vital to students' success."

Follow Portfolio Oomph on Twitter @portfoliooomph (http://www.twitter.com/portfoliooomph)

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NOTES FOR THE EDITOR:

07815 810797

julie@portfolio-oomph.com

For further information and high resolution photos please contact Julie Readat Portfolio Oomphon 07815 810797.

For further information about Small Business Sunday please visit http://www.theopaphitissbs.com