Bonnie Brayham, Purple Truffle
Leadership and Management takes Purple Truffle to the next level
Purple Truffle is a travel design company focused on creating elegant, authentic and extraordinary gastronomic experiences in France and Italy. They indulge discerning clients who take particular pleasure in combining travel with the best seasonal food and wine, whilst getting to know their chosen destination through local and off the beaten path culinary discoveries.
The company was established in 2008 by Bonnie Brayham who is based in Surrey with an office in Paris. Bonnie dreamt about leaving the corporate world to follow her dream of starting her own business. Visions of creating a company that would combine her passion for travel, food, wine and adventure - with a uniquely personalized approach - became more and more frequent. Intuition, market research and a firm belief that many of today’s travellers are seeking authentic culinary experiences is how the Purple Truffle story began.
With the company being in the very early stages, Bonnie searched the web to see what help and expertise was available to her to take the business to the next level. Already familiar with the work of Business Link, she contacted Train to Gain by email. Amanda O’Rawe, Leadership and Management Adviser, worked closely with Bonnie to identify her specific needs as the MD for Purple Truffle.
The Challenge
As a first-time entrepreneur coming from a large corporate environment, some aspects of starting up in business seemed daunting and overwhelming. Bonnie wanted someone to support her through the challenges ahead as well as acting as a ‘sounding board for new ideas’.
From their first meeting together, Amanda and Bonnie identified gaps and areas where additional leadership and management support was required. Amanda felt Bonnie needed help prioritising initiatives which in turn would immediately improve her work/life balance. Bonnie wanted support in more effectively segmenting, targeting and reaching Purple Truffle’s niche target audience as well. Assistance was also needed to finish her business plan - the roadmap for the on-going development of the business.
The Solution
Amanda and Bonnie discussed the options and funding available to Purple Truffle. They concluded that a business coach and mentor, an expert in business advice and an experienced entrepreneur, would move Purple Truffle in the right direction. Amanda recommended several training providers who were then all personally interviewed by Bonnie before she came to a decision.
With a Train to Gain Leadership and Management grant of £1000, Bonnie began a business mentoring programme with Paul Jobin at The Director’s Centre in September 2009. The monthly one-to-one sessions last between 2-3 hours and are still ongoing.
Results
Train to Gain has enabled Purple Truffle to have access to the business tools and expertise necessary drive the business forward.
“Amanda has successfully worked with me to identify the skills gaps and determine the best strategy for obtaining the business mentorship and direction I needed to take Purple Truffle to the next level. Paul has international experience as well as contacts in the travel industry which have been a perfect fit for our business. Working with Paul has helped me to better prioritise my business objectives and set realistic and measurable milestones for my company,” said Bonnie Brayham, the founder of Purple Truffle.
Amanda added, “I know Bonnie feels the training has helped her focus and feel more confident about the company strategy as well as the tactical execution plan moving forward. Their client engagement strategy has been refined and specific targeted marketing has been put into place. Paul has helped Bonnie to define a structure to her business and keeps her in check with set goals and achievements.”
Business has already improved with the company seeing an increase in client numbers as well as an increase in profits. The company currently employs five staff but is expecting growth in 2010. As well as focusing on the current offering, Purple Truffle will also be expanding to include itineraries across England and Scotland, which will define further target markets.
