Nayaab Mahomed, Fashion designer and owner at Nayaab Mahomed Ltd

“I only started my business in February, so it’s very early days, but events like this are really helpful.”

Nayaab Mahomed was one of the small businesses at the recent conference hosted by the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The day-long event was organised to discuss the challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses – and how to overcome them.

“I’m currently looking for ways to access funding and support so events like this give me lots of ideas and inspiration,” she said.

“They are also a great way to make connections with other small business owners who will have been where I am.”

De Montfort University graduate, Nayaab, helped design rising star Joy Crookes’ Brit Awards outfit for the 2022 red carpet using her own clothes and upcycling.

She explained: “Starting my own fashion design business has been my dream since I was 13.

“I’m really passionate about sustainability, it’s a big focus for me, so some of what the speakers were saying about making small changes to your business being part of a collective effort was really interesting.

“Leicester has a proud history in the fashion and textiles industry and I think we are well positioned to help make changes to the industry.

“I want to be part of changing the way the fashion industry works and encouraging others to do the same.”

Nayaab intends to continue accessing the wide range of support on offer through the Business Gateway Growth Hub, as she develops her business.

“I want to make sure I take advantage of everything that’s on offer to someone like me.

“There is so much support out there and I think it will really make a difference and help me.”

View the presentations seen by SME delegates at the Growth Hub’s Survive and Thrive conference.