Scarlet Bridge founder is an inspiration to all

Jun 16 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A WOMAN who founded her business with just £300 in the bank and a strong determination to succeed now says it is on course to hit a £250,000 turnover.

Business advice and support company Scarlet Bridge was set up by Louise Bourtons just over a year ago. The firm hit a £70,000 turnover during its first year and has created four full- time and two part-time jobs.

Ms Bourton, who has worked with more than 100 clients during Scarlett Bridge’s first 12 months, has now been nominated for a Barclays Inspire Award. Her road to becoming an entrepreneur was long and difficult, but she is using her own life experiences to work with businesses ranging from pre-start-up enterprises to established companies looking to grow.

She said: “I was married at 17 to a soldier, lived away from my family and friends and experienced physical abuse.

“When I left him, I arrived back home in Newcastle with two small children, no money and no home. Most people wrote me off, but I was determined to make it.”