Case Study 2

SOKA Studio

The Accelerator Programme has already benefited dozens of businesses in Lincolnshire. Here are some shining examples of business owners who have made a commitment to the success of their businesses by participating on previous Accelerators.

Soka-logo (1)

Sophie Karaer

SOKA Studio

Based in Liverpool, SOKA Studio is an award-winning graphic design and website development agency. It specialises in creating highly effective, idea-led branding, websites and promotional materials for SMEs.

After graduating with a first-class degree in Graphic Design and Advertising, and working in the industry for 5 years, Sophie launched SOKA. She says, "I believe in working with only the best individuals around, and I don't believe in being restricted by distance."

sophie (1)

The challenge

Making the cash flow

Forecasting. It's not the most stylish or engaging topic, but one that business owners have to grasp if they want their business to grow.

In 2019, SOKA Studio was ready to take on employees but struggled to map its financial growth. Founder and Creative Director, Sophie Karaer says, "I struggled with the aspect of forecasting. I needed advice on how much of a risk it would be to take on an employee. I needed help with the next stages of growth."

Sophie got her business to a certain point by using her initiative and working off her gut feeling. She decided she needed extra input if she wanted to go from a one-man-band to a prestigious agency.

Not only that but because Sophie had developed SOKA with no outside help, she felt as if she was "winging it". This made her anxious. She felt as if she was going through the motions with no goal or plan for the future.

The Solution

Gaining a grasp on the money side of things

By taking part in the accelerator programme in 2019, Sophie learned from other more established business owners. They helped her to nail down her thoughts, put a business plan in place, and understand the process of forecasting.

Since then, SOKA has taken on three full-time employees. Sophie says, "without taking those first steps and joining the programme, I wouldn't have expanded."

The pilot also helped Sophie understand the process of applying for business awards. This knowledge helped them secure the Micro Business of the Year award at the Lincolnshire Technology & Innovation Awards 2019.

SOKA now has clarity on where the business is heading and understands how to strategise. Sophie says, "the pilot has really helped me to cement my vision for SOKA."

Close up of couple searching online information about legal document details with laptop, family studying important contract terms and conditions typing filling internet application form on website
Sophie Karaer Head Shot

The Verdict

From the entrepreneur

When referring to the importance of spending time on your business instead of in it, Sophie says, "it's worth taking the time out of your business to pause and reflect on what you're doing because you get caught up in the running of it.

The programme helps you to do this and to take a look at your processes from an unbiased perspective."

Soka-logo (1)

Case Study 2

Sophie Karaer

SOKA Studio

Based in Liverpool, SOKA Studio is an award-winning graphic design and website development agency. It specialises in creating highly effective, idea-led branding, websites and promotional materials for SMEs.

After graduating with a first-class degree in Graphic Design and Advertising, and working in the industry for 5 years, Sophie launched SOKA. She says, "I believe in working with only the best individuals around, and I don't believe in being restricted by distance."

sophie (1)

The challenge

Making the cash flow

Forecasting. It's not the most stylish or engaging topic, but one that business owners have to grasp if they want their business to grow.

In 2019, SOKA Studio was ready to take on employees but struggled to map its financial growth. Founder and Creative Director, Sophie Karaer says, "I struggled with the aspect of forecasting. I needed advice on how much of a risk it would be to take on an employee. I needed help with the next stages of growth."

Sophie got her business to a certain point by using her initiative and working off her gut feeling. She decided she needed extra input if she wanted to go from a one-man-band to a prestigious agency.

Not only that but because Sophie had developed SOKA with no outside help, she felt as if she was "winging it". This made her anxious. She felt as if she was going through the motions with no goal or plan for the future.

The Solution

Gaining a grasp on the money side of things

By taking part in the accelerator programme in 2019, Sophie learned from other more established business owners. They helped her to nail down her thoughts, put a business plan in place, and understand the process of forecasting.

Since then, SOKA has taken on three full-time employees. Sophie says, "without taking those first steps and joining the programme, I wouldn't have expanded."

The pilot also helped Sophie understand the process of applying for business awards. This knowledge helped them secure the Micro Business of the Year award at the Lincolnshire Technology & Innovation Awards 2019.

SOKA now has clarity on where the business is heading and understands how to strategise. Sophie says, "the pilot has really helped me to cement my vision for SOKA."

Close up of couple searching online information about legal document details with laptop, family studying important contract terms and conditions typing filling internet application form on website
Sophie Karaer Head Shot

The Verdict

From the entrepreneur

When referring to the importance of spending time on your business instead of in it, Sophie says, "it's worth taking the time out of your business to pause and reflect on what you're doing because you get caught up in the running of it.

The programme helps you to do this and to take a look at your processes from an unbiased perspective."

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