Bright ideas - meet Ellie and Jon

We caught up with two of the recipients of the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards, Jonathan Whittaker and Ellie Wilkinson, to find out how this award has helped their businesses.



These awards were established in memory of Helen Barrett, a successful entrepreneur who, together with her partner, set up a gym that is still thriving today.

Why did you apply for the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards?



Jonathan: Starting out in business is difficult, but it’s almost impossible without guidance and help. This award opened up channels to experts who helped me on my journey.



Ellie: My friends and family encouraged me to set up a business selling my art, and this seemed like the perfect solution. I loved the idea of a platform to support independent businesses created by people CF too.



What have the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards helped you achieve?



Jonathan: I’ve been able to sell more products and use the money to place orders with manufacturers, securing lower costs and keeping the products flowing.



Ellie: I wanted to make my art high end. I’ve been scanning my paintings on a huge fine art scanner and set up my own website. I’m proud of this, because I taught myself CSS coding to make it fit my vision perfectly.

How has the support you have received since winning helped you with your business?



Jonathan: Discussing my ideas and seeing the business issues of other award winners being resolved has helped me learn how to operate my business. It’s also helpful to get the insight from others with CF who can empathise with the health issues you have.



Ellie: It was amazing to meet other people in the same circumstances as me and get help with business advice.



What is the best thing about the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards?



Ellie: While I haven’t had any discrimination at work because of my CF, it’s something I worry about. This showed me that my CF could be just another part of me, with no negative or positive connotations.



What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards?



Jonathan: GO FOR IT! This is a great opportunity to think through your business plan, communicate it and if you’re lucky, get funds to boost your business and great advice to propel your entrepreneurial journey.



Ellie: Do it!