Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award

Abi has always loved performing and found the perfect fit working in children's princess parties, where she could combine her passion for musical theatre with the flexibility to manage her cystic fibrosis. She has now launched her own princess entertainment business so she can work for herself and build a career around her health. The Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award will help her purchase costumes and equipment to get the business off the ground, with ambitions to expand and employ other performers in the future.

Helen turned a lifelong love of crafts into a business creating handmade felt flowers. She already sells her work through a local craft shop and hopes to grow the business by attending more craft fairs and markets. The Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award will help her reach more customers and continue building a business that brings her joy and confidence.

After leaving teaching during the pandemic, Louise co-founded Eco Hub, an environmentally friendly creative business selling sustainable products, running workshops, and supporting local artists. The business has continued to grow and recently expanded into upholstery and clothing alterations. The Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award will help Eco Hub invest in new equipment and signage, supporting further growth and creating opportunities to employ additional staff in the future.

Dan plans to combine his professional expertise in health research with his lived experience of CF through his health research consultancy, which will support organisations with research, collaboration, and patient involvement while offering the flexibility of self-employment. He’ll use his Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award to establish the digital tools and infrastructure needed to grow the business.

Libby founded Lib's Cards after discovering a love of painting during the pandemic. What began as handmade cards for friends has grown into a successful greetings card business stocked in shops across the UK. The Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award will help Libby attend trade shows, grow her wholesale business, and move closer to making Lib's Cards her full-time career.

Sammy launched The Smooth Edit Beauty after years of finding it difficult to balance employment with the demands of CF. Being self-employed has given her the flexibility to build a career around her passion for beauty treatments. She’ll use the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award to launch a new website, invest in training and equipment, and expand the range of treatments she offers.

After moving to the Peak District, Sara founded Peak and Bloom to combine her experience in coaching with her passion for the outdoors. Through outdoor coaching, guided walks, and community activities, she helps people improve their wellbeing and find purpose. Her Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award will support the rebranding and growth of the business as it expands its outdoor coaching and wellness offering. 

Having previously received a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award to help launch her business, Emilia has returned to the Awards with an established business! After medically retiring because of CF, Emilia discovered a love of sewing that grew into a thriving handmade homewares business. She now runs her own high street shop, selling her own designs alongside products from local makers. This year's award will help improve her shopfront and continue growing an accessible, community-focused business.