Some business mentoring relationships develop organically. A spark is ignited, common ground forged and the two parties each recognise the potential for a productive, rewarding and lasting exchange. This was the case with Tracy Richardson and her mentee Lisa Ridley, who met at a breast cancer charity event where Lisa had a stall selling handmade, bespoke jewellery, as Tracy remembers:

“I love jewellery so I was a magpie to Julie’s stall. We’re a similar age and a friendship started to develop from there. There were things she wanted to know about business and I threw a few ideas her way.”

When we met Tracy at the Newcastle upon Tyne Meet a Mentor event in January 2015 she was on the look-out for another mentee. Tracy, who had previously attended a Meet a Mentor event in 2012, told us a little about herself and how her mentoring relationship with Lisa has developed.

Ambitious Tracy has two businesses to her name. Richer Ideas works to help voluntary organisations and social enterprises make ideas reality. The entrepreneur’s second business is Planet Skills, a community enterprise that increases digital skills and reduces digital exclusion. Tracy’s approach to both businesses is very much strengthened by her ability to forge strong connections, making her an ideal mentor. She told us her reasons for attending Meet a Mentor not once, but twice:

“The more I can connect with people, the better that enhances my business and my knowledge as well.The second event was a chance to share my experiences and successes of mentoring a business with other attendees.”

Lisa Ridley meanwhile had made jewellery for years just for fun while working in finance administration. When she was made redundant during the recession, Lisa found it difficult to secure another job:

“I was applying for jobs and just getting knocked back. I think it’s harder when you’re out of work to get another job. My mum said ‘well why don’t you sell your jewellery?’ It’s all genuine gemstones and crystals – bracelets, necklaces and rings.”

One of the areas where Tracy’s mentoring has had most impact is in Lisa’s decision to move her business, Loopy Lou’s Bespoke Gems, into a professional space. Tracy told us about the reasons behind the move:

“When we met, Lisa was home-based. We discussed the fact that customers couldn’t come to see the work; people like to touch and feel items. I just suggested that she might like to be based at the Newcastle Business Village in Benton, which is where I work from. It’s ideal for smaller businesses.”

When Lisa first established her business she had accessed some formal advice and support via the Job Centre. However, the support was limited, as she recalls:

“It was only for about 25 weeks that I had seen the business advisor but after that they don’t really have much to do with you. It was nice when I met Tracy because she’s given me help long-term.”

Lisa is enthusiastic about the help she’s received from Tracy and the way it has enabled her to progress her business and overcome personal barriers:

“Having Tracy has been absolutely fabulous. Her encouragement has helped get rid of a lot of the fears I had about taking that next step. Tracy is full of good ideas. She’s very inspiring, she’s brilliant.”

Tracy has used her expertise to help Lisa in one very important area – digital literacy. Lisa explains how her computer skills are really improving, enabling her to both get more efficient and speak directly to her customers:

“I used to have an order book and write everything down on paper but Tracy is guiding me through Excel sheets, putting everything onto the computer. She’s also showing me how to do email newsletters using Mail Chimp to help with the marketing. She’s been absolutely brilliant that way. I’ve learned loads of new digital skills with her.”

The two intend to maintain their mentoring relationship into the future, and Tracy is always looking for ways to boost Lisa’s fortunes:

“Since Lisa moved into the unit sales have increased. Certainly from her trading year last year we can see that growth so it’s certainly going in the right direction. We just need to make sure that continues. It’s about new ideas and new ways of doing things.”

As for Lisa, she has big dreams for the future and it sounds as though Tracy is very much part of them:

“I would love to have a little shop somewhere. ‘Loopy Lou’s Bespoke Gems’ above the door. At the moment it’s great. I’ve got lots of new customers coming in and local people are starting to recognise my jewellery, which is nice. Having a good mentor makes you think ‘right, yes, I can do this.’ I think everybody needs a Tracy in their life!”

Asked about future mentoring relationships, Tracy reveals that a new mentoring connection has already been made:

“I met someone at the second event. We’ve worked together to establish a business space in which she can meet clients. We’re looking to work collaboratively on an idea to develop a training programme helping women who are returning to the labour market, using both of our sets of skills.”

The business woman becomes animated as she outlines her thoughts on SMEs helping themselves and each other to be successful and contribute to their local economies:

“I’m passionate about how smaller businesses can add value to other small businesses by working in partnership with them to create bigger impact. Mentoring has to fit around my ‘day job’ but I believe strongly that small businesses/sole traders in the UK can help to boost economies in local areas and are critical to job creation.”