A couple who struggled to find interesting gifts for their young son have opened their own toyshop with help from Bristol business support organisation BRAVE Enterprise.
Toyville in North Street, Bedminster, is run by Joel and Lindsay Meyer-Nicholas and specialises in selling quality wooden toys and games.
The couple have also launched their own online store at www.toyvilleshop.co.uk
Joel and Lindsay previously both had well-paid financial careers with Lloyds Bank in Bristol. But when Joel lost his job, they decided to turn their backs on the corporate world.
After attending a free Thinking About Business workshop run by BRAVE, they enrolled on the New Enterprise Allowance scheme. The programme, which helps the unemployed start their own business, is delivered locally by BRAVE.
Joel said: “We found it difficult to buy our toddler son Xander interesting new toys near where we live, so decided to fill a gap in the local market ourselves.
“We specialise in selling classic wooden toys that have stood the test of time, as well as new toys from less well known brands that we feel have the potential to become future classics.
“We can’t compete with the big retailers, neither do we seek to, which is why we decided to focus on selling more niche toys that offer something a bit different to children in the city. We really want to be seen as a local company based in South Bristol.
“Thanks to the success of our website and the fantastic support we have had from BRAVE, we have been able to open our shop sooner than planned.”
BRAVE director Liz Sands said: “The New Enterprise Allowance scheme is designed to help unemployed people like Joel make a fresh start and become their own boss. The programme provides support and encouragement to ensure new businesses are created locally.”
BRAVE has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and run profitable businesses since it was launched in the 1980s.
BRAVE’s next free Thinking About Business workshops will be held on November 3 and 16. To book a place visit www.brave.org.uk or call 0117 944 5330.
Pictured: Joel and Lindsay Meyer-Nicholas with their BRAVE Enterprise business mentor Emma Smith
