Milton Keynes Mum Named One of the South East's Top Entrepreneurs in HSBC Start-up Stars Awards

Read Julie White, Dragon's Den winner and owner of Truly Madly Baby's success story!

Julie White set up Truly Madly Baby 14 months ago and has seen it go from strength to strength! She has now been crowned Regional Winner in the 2006 HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards - the UK's premier showcase for the most promising start-up businesses and the inspirational entrepreneurs behind them.

Julie, was one of six South East Regional Winners to be presented with her commemorative certificate at a special event held at Newick Park Hotel and Country Estate. Her entry will now go forward to the National Judging Panel, who will select the Top 10 National Finalists - and Julie is hoping to go all the way and scoop the top prize of £25,000 plus the title HSBC 'Start-Up Star 2006'

As a new mother, looking for something to do that would involve babies and mums, Julie hit on the idea of a party plan business selling high quality mother and baby products. Within three months she had researched the market, chosen a product range, set up trade accounts, put together a catalogue and recruited four consultants. She was on her way, and Truly Madly Baby Ltd. was launched in May 2005.

Sceptics - including some of the 'Dragons' from the TV series 'Dragon's Den' - thought she would never achieve more than a small business run from home. However, she has proved them all wrong. She convinced one of the Dragons - Peter Jones - to invest in the Company - and a few months later had 40 consultants, a full time staff of four and permanent offices with their own warehousing.

Julie has secured a trade mark for her brand and is now expanding the range to include Truly Madly Toddler. A new partnership with Olan Mills will increase the company's national coverage and help raise their profile.

Looking ahead, Julie plans to increase the number of Truly Madly Baby consultants to 500 whilst also growing the internet and mail order side of the business and investigating expanding abroad. Within five years she hopes to be amongst the top 50 female entrepreneurs in the UK.

You too could be part of the growing success of Truly Madly Baby! Click here to find out about becoming a Truly Madly Baby Consultant

To find out more about how to get a business off the ground, would-be entrepreneurs can order a copy of HSBC's free Starting a Business pack by visiting www.ukbusiness.hsbc.com or calling 0800 328 6942.