Yesterday I read something that, to be honest, I normally avoid....the Metro. It's not that I don't like the newspaper, it's just that I would rather spend my time reading something more substantial, or spend my time plain old thinking (I think a lot as an entrepreneur - sometimes resulting in severe brain-ache).

However, one article caught my eye and it was that regarding Richard Branson's Centre of Entrepreneurship. This is going to be based in Montego Bay and the man (one of my true inspirations), yet again, is pioneering for young entrepreneurs to follow their creative juices and set up on their own.

Being an entrepreneur isn't easy - many people ask me how I manage to fit everything into a working day/week/month/year. Half the time I don't know how I do it! I guess being motivated is a start, and believing 110% in what you are doing. Branson advises that although we all make mistakes, will that/those errors 'bring the house crashing down around you?' The answer is normally 'no'. So in short, learn from your mistakes and plough on. I think you have to be a certain character to do what I and countless other entrepreneurs do. Firstly, we are all slightly mad (not in a scary way, obviously, just so motivated and driven it is quite strange.....), we have guts, we think strategically about everything and we constantly mull over how to better ourselves and our business; we never miss an opportunity. This then begs the question again of being slightly mad - running a business and getting credit for it can take years and years - it is a long, drawn-out process that can cause a lot of frustration and pain along the way, but is so 100% worth it, in my opinion.

Branson includes a wonderful example of how his help and assistance brought life, money and a career to one lucky man. By offering intense mentoring and direction Branson helped a young designer to go from owning a tiny fashion design operation to being a big brand label showing at LFW and opening a string of retail outlets. I am salivating with awe and amazement. This is what this country needs (Branson, if you are reading this, please do contact me, Claire Watt-Smith!!), and indeed every country needs; mentors who provide a strong network of support for young talented business people. Without it, in this highly competitive and easily accessible global world, how can one young person do it on their own? We all need people to look up to and to contact when needed. Heather Wilkinson at Striding Out is a fantastic business coach. I was lucky to have won the Inspire and Mentor with Marie Claire, so see the talented Kate Bostock. Lastly, Craig Martin from DediPower is a true inspiration to me - my network might be varied, but I think that is the best way. Don't forget also your friends and family; they provide something so special, it is beyond words.

Running a business may be far from easy, but as Lesego Malatsi Mzansi quotes: "If entrepreneurs are well-equipped, well funded and supported then they will be able to contribute to the growth of the country by paying taxes, helping alleviate unemployment and fighting poverty". I think let's start - heck, we could all do with some mentoring! Cameron (and Mary Portas), come on!!

Claire Watt-Smith

Founder, BoBelle London

LFW (en route via M&M's world....)

Having had a fabulous newtworking lunch with those wonderful ladies from Kleinwort Benson, I thought I would stroll the 2 and a something miles through Mayfair and central London to view some of the collections at LFW. It was a glorious day and whilst ambling through the crowds at Regent Street down to Piccadilly and beyond, what do I stumble across but the biggest M&M's shop ever - in fact its proper name is 'M&S's World'. Wow. I used to love M&M's as a child! Just in case you hadn't seen this chocolate haven, have a peek here:

Isn't it amazing what a brand can do? The layout was oh-so-clever as you had to go downstairs to get to where the actual sweets are, thus having to walk through the cushions, mugs and toys in order to get there (increasing your chances of buying something on the way). Not to mention passing the lady at the front who asks if you'd like a basket. Really, very clever layout.

Having satisfied my chocolate fix without actually purchasing any (I may be a fan of business and strategies, but paying over £2.00 for 100g of M&M's is just robbery! As if they advertised the price anyhow, that was only divulged when you got to the till and realise your child has totted up a £20 bag of chocolate...) Anyway, I was off to LFW to enjoy the exhibitions and to enjoy a cheeky cocktail or two with a friend of mine (who is so lucky as not only does she go to the Burberry and Mulberry shows, she also received a personal invite from Erdem. I was not jealous....obviously).

The day was stunning with bright blue skies and wonderful, wonderful fashion:

I haven't yet been to New York fashion week, so I cannot really comment, but all I can say is 'wow' to the setting for LFW - where else is simply more breath takingly eye catching than Somerset House? Truly stunning. BoBelle London has some gorgeous new accessories launching for the Christmas period and our new website (launched NOW!) is set to be a real winner with you all, I think.....Fashion is very important to us Brits and I hope my London label is loved by you all for its sleek and classic designs, amazing quality finishing and subtle branding. The economy might be a little wobbly right now, but invest in all things long-lasting, such as those accessories from BoBelle London, and you will thank yourself in years to come. Great Britain has to nurture new businesses and designers to help push through this tough time - LFW is so monumental and deserves all of the fabulous attention it gets. Long let it reign.

Keeping up appearances

I have a lot of people contact me regarding growing their business and getting their name out to the masses. I wish I had a magic answer that made the process easy, believe me. Unfortunately that is not the case. How have I grown BoBelle, and how am I still doing it? It is through sheer determination and hard work. The thing is, when you are growing a brand you become so engrossed in its being, that you forget the one thing that takes time - TRUST.

That little word is so overpowering and is more valuable than most entrepreneurs realise. Look at what you are wearing - you chose those clothes because you know the brand. What computer are you typing on? I bet you chose it because of its brand credentials. What mobile do you have? I bet your friends have either a BlackBerry or an iphone. Why? Branding and Trust. Do you know how long it took Apple to reach the stage that it is at? Over 20 years. Do you know that Primark had been trading for over 30 years before they came over to the UK and took the country by storm? Did you know that Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater and others started out the same way I did; on market stalls? In the words of the infamous Anya Hindmarch, " you have to hit through those brick walls and bash them down".

Growing BoBelle has been the hardest thing I have done - but the most invigorating. Trust really is everything. You have to believe in yourself and your brand in order for that trust to follow. Trust only comes in time...but it needs constant daily nurturing in this climate. It will be worth it though - when I think back to where I was 2 years ago, I smile as it is me who has made all of the changes and developments with my brand, and it makes me incredibly proud and determined to keep going (especially when you get great press, such as the below):

"Whatever your autumn uniform, know thyself, sort it - then add a satchel", Hannah Betts, The Telegraph, writes famously about her love of BoBelle London's new Brackenbury Satchel. Buy HERE.