A Staffordshire entrepreneur whose work has been showcased on a top BBC design show says county council business support programmes helped her to get up and running with future expansion plans.
Sophie Newlands set up her business Shag Interior in 2024 after using her own creative flair on her own home in Cannock and displaying her stunning interior designs on social media.
Having moved from her native Stoke-on-Trent to London and Los Angeles before returning to Staffordshire, Sophie’s career has seen her focus on different aspects of design, including her own alternative accessories business, launching an events company which championed small brands, and interior decoration. She finally decided to follow a personal passion and set up Shag Interior two years ago.
WATCH: Sophie explains how the Get Started and Grow programme and Women in Business supported her.
Sophie's outstanding work saw her reach the final of BBC's Interior Design Masters. Each episode involved her competing against the nation’s finest undiscovered talent.
And while Shag Interior is receiving ever increasing interest – running the operational side of a business is something where Sophie felt she’d benefit from some expert advice and guidance.
Get Started and Grow and Women in Business form part of Staffordshire County Council’s wide ranging business support programme. Get Started and Grow provides free guidance to businesses up to five years old in areas such as finance, legal, marketing and HR, whilst Women in Business offers workshop sessions with networking opportunities.
People can find out more about both initiatives and more on the county council’s Business Support webpage.
Sophie said:
With the experience and learning from my first business, I knew that a more in-depth understanding of areas such as finance and effective operations was vital. Essentially, I needed to know what I needed to make this business a success – ensuring I was not underselling the bespoke product I’d be providing.
I found the team so helpful, from online sessions to in-person events, and it’s something I’d definitely recommend to other new businesses. The programme is easy to access too.”
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said:
It’s fantastic to see Sophie’s creative talent working for her in establishing a business which is set to go from strength to strength.
Showcasing her designs on a popular primetime television show is the ultimate shop window for a growing enterprise. We’re pleased that our comprehensive business support programme was there – free and easily accessible – to enable Sophie to take on board expert guidance in critical areas of a company operation.
As a county council it’s one of our priorities to support enterprise innovation so it’s great that these initiatives are making a difference.”
Sophie is now working with commercial clients – including an architect’s practice and café-bar in Las Vegas – and says her dream is to design a boutique hotel.
She added: “I think Staffordshire is a super creative place. I now live so close to Cannock Chase, which is just the most stunning place. I feel like you’ve got to be hard pushed to walk around the county and not be inspired by something.”
People can see Sophie’s designs on BBC Interior Design Masters series seven, which is available on BBC iPlayer now. The final was broadcast on June 9.
Follow Shag Interior on Instagram instagram.com/shaginterior or visit shaginterior.co.uk to find out more.
