Arithmo Business Start up competition - Netbook winner – Ruth Grahame
The Greatest Cake
Q. Why did you set up "The Greatest Cake"?
Having worked in the Hospitality and Business Travel Industries for the last 17 years I’d gained a lot of business experience and specifically as a negotiator with travel suppliers, working with the likes of BA, Virgin, Eurostar and most hotel companies.
I know I have what it takes to work for myself and I made the decision to go for it after becoming disillusioned with Business Travel after 9 years with the same company.
The time was right for me to put my dreams into practice as I have always found my enthusiasm and imagination in the kitchen and have made cakes for friends hens parties and birthday parties, for my colleagues at work and made my own retro Black Forest Gateau for my 70’s nostalgia 40th birthday party.
Everyone around me has been extremely encouraging and this has really helped with my confidence.
Q. How long have you been in business?
One month!
Q. We met you at the business start up event; can you tell me what interested you about the show
The Business start up show is exactly what I needed and at just the right time. I want to make sure that I have my business plan, finances, marketing strategy in place before I get going…seems full on for a cup cake company but the principal to get it right at the start is ingrained in me. It will also stand my husband and me in good stead as we plan to open a deli with children’s cooking school in 12-18 months and this will be where we’re aiming for.
Q. How do you keep your business records at present?
I’m ok on Excel so that’s where I keep my records.
Q. When did you first hear about Arithmo?
I found out about Arithmo at the show, I needed to find some information on accounting as I know this is vital to get right at the start of the business.
Q. Had you ever heard of online accounting before the event?
No I had not heard of this before.
Q. Would you ever decide to use an online accounting system like Arithmo?
Absolutely, anything that helps me to be more organized is a benefit to the company.
Q. What features do you think would benefit yourself and your business?
Keeping track of my expenses and the income of course, it will make the bookkeeping less daunting I think.
Q. As support for our clients we offer free webinars, do you think you would find a 40 minute session useful?
Yes, I think both my husband and I would find this extremely useful