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Christine Roberts – a Biography

FROM POWER CABLES TO DRESSING TABLES

MATURE BUSINESS WOMAN VENTURES INTO UN-CHARTERED TERRITORY

Christine Roberts, 63, isn’t what you would expect of someone who is about to become eligible for her bus pass, or someone that lives in a quaint little village in the West Country – she is a vibrant, energetic entrepreneur who is not afraid of taking (calculated) risks.

Already the owner of a long-established electronics power supply distribution company, she now owns three successful businesses, with the most recent introductions being created just two years ago. 

The new businesses, La La Luna Porcelain and The Old Vicarage Bed & Breakfast, were set up in 2007 and hard work and determination have seen both ventures grow into thriving achievements despite the global economic downturn – no mean feat in the current market and operating from a converted barn in Devon. 

The idea for the porcelain business blossomed during a vacation in South Africa where the products were being sold in a host of high-end boutiques. Christine purchased several of the nature inspired pieces for herself and friends and on her return to the UK, began making enquires about obtaining distribution rights across the UK and Ireland. 

Much to her delight and it has to be said, impeccable timing, Christine discovered that the porcelain designer/company owner, was in the midst of researching the UK giftware market and after extensive long-distance chats over the telephone, the seeds of a business venture were sown and ‘La La Luna’ was launched.

Lynne Lange, founder of Luna C and it’s talented designer, had already undergone thorough research to establish whether the UK was a viable market for her giftware products, and concluded that her designs would sell well as all items are well-priced, exceptional quality and beautifully gift-boxed – an ideal product for the growing number of independent boutiques and gift shops throughout the UK. 

“Lynne already had a working business model established in South Africa and gave instrumental advice on a marketing and business strategy for La La Luna. She recommended we attend the Summer exhibition at Excel in London, which was a great way of introducing our products to an influential market, putting us in touch with some key retailers. Since our first exhibition in 2007, we have worked hard to grow and expand our portfolio and now have approximately 300 associated retailers throughout the UK, Ireland and France, something I am very proud of” remarked Christine. 

“The giftware and home accessories market is extremely competitive and fast moving, but our unique selling point is that we offer exceptionally high quality, individually designed, affordable porcelain products that encapsulate the intrinsic delicate details of nature.”

To stay ahead of the competition and to keep the interest of retailers, La La Luna is constantly evolving and adding to its portfolio and Christine is working closely with Lynne to introduce an exclusive to the UK range for Spring 2010 together with a range of “signature” products with limited editions.

“Moving into the giftware and home accessories market was a giant leap from the electronics world I had become accustomed to and in order to invest the time needed to get the project off the ground, I recruited the help of my daughter, Sarah, making her a partner in the enterprise.”   

Not one to consider two businesses enough to occupy one’s time, Christine embarked on a third project with her daughter – renovating the adjoining property at the Old Vicarage and turning it into luxury bed and breakfast accommodation. 

“Having lived in the village for 21 years, we knew that there was very little in the way of luxury accommodation locally and we are creating a niche market. The village attracts a high number of visitors, walkers and restaurant goers who enjoy the picturesque countryside and the quality food on offer at the local pub. The high end B&B market is tricky but we really offer something out of the ordinary.”

“Currently the UK’s holiday makers are looking for homebound retreats and places to unwind and our accommodation fits the bill perfectly. We have a swimming pool and beautiful country walks right on our doorstep, the Jurassic Coast is a fifteen minute drive away, Dartmoor and Exmoor are within easy reach by car. The M5 and A30 are both ten minutes drive away and mainline stations are within the same distance making Broadhembury an ideal destination for couples, parties of friends and families alike.”

Despite facing major financial hurdles during the past two years, global recession and nervous bankers not having been contemplated at the outset, the establishment of the two new ventures continues apace. The marketing has largely been handled in house to date but now help is at hand in the guise of specialist PR agent Sarah Davey at Cloudnine.

 “We had very little marketing experience in these two new fields, and relied on communication experts to advise and help us create a brand for each respective business. This included the creation of logos, websites, email campaigns, press releases – the list is endless.”

“We have certainly learnt a lot from these exercises and two years’ experience in the giftware and B&B market means we are well placed to make informed decisions on our marketing spend – although I am sure there is still lots to learn and other avenues to explore as our companies mature.”

The future looks bright for business owners, Christine and Sarah, as more recently, La La Luna has experienced demand from another market – hotels and restaurants, with an order placed and shipped to the exclusive Ras Island Race Day hotel in Dubai, a “celebrity chef’s” restaurant in Devon and a hotel group in the Caribbean.

“We have a really great tableware range and it has always been part of our mid to long term strategy to investigate this market further, with the aim of introducing our products to a number of restaurants and hotels. Our products have been received really well by this sector and we are hoping to explore this avenue further in the coming months. 

Bookings are also going well for the B&B, thanks to its popular location for wedding’s and romantic retreats.  

Christine’s story is an inspiration for any entrepreneur about to step into the business arena during a recession, and equally motivating for those just shy of reaching retirement, thinking about exploring new avenues. 

For more information on La La Luna, visit  www.lunaporcelain.co.uk, and for prices and availability of the Broadhembury B and B view www.broadhemburybandb.co.uk.