A WORCESTER woman’s passion for fashion has led to a new business launch – with a little help from the City Council.

Local entrepreneur Laine Bedford has achieved her ambition to launch her own fashion events business thanks to a Worcester City Council business grant. Mrs Bedford, who has extensive experience of working in the events and promotions industries, spotted a gap in the market and decided to set up Style Palette Events, a series of luxury, boutique fashion events held throughout the UK. Style Palette offers a "girly day out" which combines a fashion show, make-up master classes and style advice from well-known fashion bloggers and celebrities.

She said: "Like many women I love the world of fashion, beauty and style. My events are aimed at young professional women and are a great way to celebrate hen parties, birthdays, baby showers or simply as a treat at the weekend."

Setting up any new business involves making an initial financial outlay and Mrs Bedford applied to Worcester City Council for a business start-up grant to cover the costs of some basic IT equipment, office furniture and development of a new website. She received a grant of £1,000, which she match-funded from her own reserves. As part of the grant conditions, Mrs Bedford also received free business start-up advice arranged via the council and had to submit a business plan.

She added: "I found the grant application process really straightforward. I got an email confirming my application had been successful within just a few days. I also found the business advice I received incredibly useful.”

Mrs Bedford is now busy preparing her first event: a style and fashion show which will take place in Bristol on December 3. Information at stylepaletteevents.com. Worcester City Council offers start-up grants of up to £1,000 and growth grants of up to £3,000 for local businesses. For more information, go to worcester.gov.uk/business or call 01905 722106.