Annie Murray, Edit Sweet and HORIZON on being in a Peer Support Cohort
“Although my self-esteem was low at the time, it grew rapidly once I met Sara and was selected for her course. From the first meeting, she was incredibly encouraging, warm, open, knowledgeable, and resourceful. It felt like there was nothing she didn’t know and her reassurance and calming manner meant a great deal to me. It was a poignant meeting that stays with me.
The facilitation of the course was flawless, beautifully designed, and not as overwhelming as I had imagined. I felt excited to go into each session, I felt purposeful, I felt like I was always progressing and saw each session as a challenge to conquer. Sara is not just a good facilitator, but a great one, who has a natural flair for her work. She has a real passion for not only social business but even more so, for the people who practice good business. Sara’s love and passion for socially-minded business is infectious.
With Sara’s support, I set up Edit Sweet Ltd, a socially-minded film production company, alongside my charitable film school, HORIZON, where I teach film and photography to people in recovery from drink and drug abuse. Giving a creative focus to people’s future; and giving back, what was freely given to me.
I set up a business ready to thrive. One that has seen 138% increase in profits year on year with clients such as The NHS, Tate Modern, CBeeBies, Proud Cabaret, HISBE, UnLtd, Justin Lloyd and Stanmer House. I’ve run HORIZON for two years and seen 24 students thrive on creativity and go into film production themselves. The student’s photographic work was shortlisted in the Brighton Fringe Festival of 2019 for the best Visual Arts award.
The icing on the cake was becoming a homeowner this year from earnings through my business. This is someone who, 5 years ago was in a hostel living environment with a crippling addiction problem, recovering from street homelessness. I have to pinch myself, a lot!
If I hadn’t met Sara when I did, I’m not sure I would be in a position to say the above! It may well have taken a lot longer, or possibly even faded away as an idea. I met Sara at the right time, she grabbed my dream with me and jet-propelled me into fruition, thanks to her belief and support. I’ll be forever grateful to Sara and I truly believe that Sara can help shape ideas into a better version, a viable business, and a remarkable business. I’ve seen it with countless other businesses whom Sara has supported.
When I heard that Sara is starting a new course I was thrilled and excited for the budding entrepreneurs, as I remember all too well being given that opportunity. This is where Sara is in her absolute element and I would encourage people to grab this opportunity, jump on board, and be guided and coached by someone who is the epitome of Good Business. Sara has a big heart – and this is where good business starts and indeed thrives.
With Sara, what you’ll get is tailor-made advice, not general. Heartfelt, not industrial. Real, not whimsical. Practical, not far-fetched. Honest, solid, and good support.”
Annie Murray, Edit Sweet and HORIZON