Meave took part in our Match Trading pilot, as part of the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Trade Up Programme 2015-16.

What is Brilliant Women (trading as Brilliant Parents)?

Meave says: “We offer parenting and self-esteem classes in London, working in schools and children’s centres in deprived areas and for women in prisons (e.g. Holloway, which has since closed and, Downview). Brilliant Women was set up in 2002 to promote the development of self-esteem in all those we work with, particularly women in business, providing information, resources and events, in addition to creating a dynamic and mutual network of supporters.  At our core, we are a community organisation and a training provider; our programmes impart what we have learnt to those who need it, often in deprived areas and to those who are disadvantaged, but also to those who need empowerment from all areas of society.

“Our parenting programme, Brilliant Parents, launched in 2011. It has helped over 500 families create happier, more harmonious environments for their children giving them a better and positive start in life. Working across London, in Brent, Camden and Harrow, as well as Barking and Dagehnam,  Havering and Sutton, Brilliant Parents targets deprived areas and isolated groups such as single parents, communities marginalised by language barriers, and those who are separated from their children. Some of our most recent work has been with: women inmates in Holloway and Downview Prison; young parents living in accommodation provided by Centre Point and on a pilot for NELFT CAMHS Vanguard project to bridge the gap and provide parental support for those parents either awaiting a CAMHS appointment or who do not meet their criteria. ”

What impact did Match Trading have on Brilliant Women?

• Growth in trading income: from £8,600 a year to more than £18,000 – an increase of 111%.
• More balanced income streams: Trading income represented 36% of Meave’s income in the baseline year. By the end of the programme, this had increased to 55%.
• Unlocking entrepreneurialism for sustainable impact: Meave says: “The Match Trading grant has been instrumental in our development, from taking the important decision to create Brilliant Parents as a company in its own right; to now being the sole provider of Triple P Parenting in the London Borough of Hillingdon; to taking a huge leap of faith and moving into offices; and where, one year on [from the programme ending], 100% of our income is via trading!”

How did you find Match Trading?

Meave says: “I had a year to increase my turnover to access the Match Trading grant, so it was about pacing myself. There was no rush to get there, but I knew I couldn’t be too slow. I’m goal-orientated, and I’m quite competitive with myself. So give me a figure and I’ll find a way to meet it!

“I found the Match Trading grant helped me focus, be more targeted, and channel my energies.”