Business Start Up

From Garden Shed to Growing Community Hub: The Story of 2bu.studio

Doncaster entrepreneur, Gemma Tasker, has turned a personal vision into a thriving creative wellbeing hub that helps people connect, build confidence, and combat social isolation through arts and crafts.

Founded in 2024, 2bu.studio is a community-focused arts, crafts and wellbeing centre based at Carr Grange Business Centre in Doncaster. Offering pottery painting, scrapbooking, creative workshops, children's activities, wellbeing sessions and private events, the studio provides a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and abilities.

The business was inspired by the founder's own experiences of overcoming a difficult upbringing and significant health challenges. Wanting to create the supportive environment she once needed, Gemma began the journey from a garden shed before moving into a small industrial unit and eventually expanding into larger premises.

Gemma, founder of 2bu.studio, said: "Creating a place where people can come together, learn something new and feel part of a community has always been at the heart of what we do"

"Seeing people grow in confidence, make friends and enjoy being creative makes it all worthwhile."

Over the last two years, 2bu.studio has evolved into a thriving community hub. Alongside its regular programme of creative and wellbeing activities, the business supports local makers, community organisations and takes part in fundraising initiatives across the city.

The studio also recently welcomed Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones.

Their mission "Create. Connect. Feel Good.", reflects the commitment to reducing loneliness, improving wellbeing and creating opportunities for meaningful connection through creativity.

As the business looks to the future, plans include expanding its community programmes, creating employment opportunities, develop new partnerships and to establish 2bu.studio as one of Doncaster's leading creative wellbeing destinations.

Throughout her journey, Gemma has received support from Launchpad Doncaster through networking opportunities, funding guidance and general business support, helping her build confidence and strengthen the foundations for sustainable business growth.

Today, 2bu.studio continues to bring people together through creativity, friendship and support, demonstrating how a simple idea can grow into a space that makes a lasting difference to the local community.

To discover more visit www.2bu.studio and/or connect via their community Facebook group.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Founded in February 2022 by husband-and-wife team Amelia and Tom Boston, Boston & Co is the managing partnership of the Bentley Pavilion, which includes the running of the café as well as being a hub for organising private and community events.

Amelia has a background in hospitality and events, and it was a chance meeting with the previous incumbents which led to her fulfilling her dream of opening the café.

“I had always wanted to have something of my own, as I felt I needed something that utilised all of my talents, strengths and interests. I had lots of support to help me to realise my dream of running a café. Debbie and Craig from LAUNCHPAD provided valuable mentoring, training, and practical advice, helping to build my confidence in my decision making and increasing my business knowledge. They have been advocates for my business, and it’s been clear that all the advisors have really wanted us to succeed and believe in the business. The training and networking sessions have also been really useful.” Amelia said.

Four years on and the Boston & Co café is a thriving independent eatery, catering for locals, families, dog walkers, professionals, and visitors attending events at the Bentley Pavilion. Focusing on value for money, home-cooked, tasty food is served throughout the day including  breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

“Our business is built on regulars, and we have created an amazing community of people who enjoy coming to our café like a second home. We are very dog friendly, as it is the perfect place to go for a dog walk around the park and stop for a bite to eat afterwards. We have many corporate clients such as the NHS, Doncaster Council, and local businesses that use our event space.” Amelia continued.

Amelia and Tom manage the booking of space in the building for private events such as weddings, conferences and seasonal events. They also run, Your Table, an outside catering service providing grazing platters, corporate lunches, gift boxes, afternoon teas, and bespoke buffets for special occasions and celebrations such as weddings.

“Hospitality is a wonderful, albeit often stressful industry to be in. Our clients come to us because they want to have a good time, they want to celebrate or treat themselves and it’s a great pleasure to be able to deliver great customer experiences for so many” Amelia concluded.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Image credit: Boston & Co Café Pavilion

A love of animals, a passion for canine wellness and nutrition, coupled with a desire to be self-employed, led Emily Wilkinson to set up Embark Pet Services back in 2019.

Embark was initially set up as a dog walking service for people who are not able to give their pets as much exercise or human company as they would like them to have. Emily also provides dog sitting and holiday cover pet care services.

Emily had help and support from the team at LAUNCHPAD when she set up her business. They provided a grant for the building of her first dog-walking website. She also attended workshops on subjects including social media, networking and business funding.

“It can be quite lonely being self-employed and running your own business. I really appreciate being able to ask for advice and talk things through with Craig from LAUNCHPAD. I have found all of the team to be  really approachable; no subject is off limits. If they don’t have the immediate answer to your questions, they will find out for you.” Emily said.

Once Emily got the dog walking and pet sitting side of her business established, her interest in canine nutrition led her to expand into the supply of 100% natural, ethically sourced canine treats and supplements. She designed and set up her own e-commerce website as a one stop shop for her full range of treats, supplements and enrichment products. She now has the biggest range of 100% natural dog treats and supplements in the UK and is currently doing an accredited course in canine nutrition.

Emily recently won the Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday award, where she had to competitively pitch and sell her business directly to Theo. On his website, Theo talks about the award, saying, “I admire people who have passion and energy. … I am constantly blown away by the depth and quality of the entrants.”  This all goes to show that Emily has just the kind of enterprising spirit and drive that the TV Dragon admires.

“Running your own business is not for the faint-hearted; you need to be prepared to give it everything and to keep trying out new things. It’s been a bumpy but overall positive experience, and I love being the master of my own destiny.” Emily concluded.

This award-winning business is definitely going forward in leaps and bounds!

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Forget Me Not Skellow is a specialist card and gift shop with a difference. Step inside and you will be greeted by friendly staff and an Aladdin’s cave, full of an amazing selection of greetings cards and beautiful gifts for every occasion.

It is a family business owned and run by two sisters, Tracey Cooper and Lynda Needham along with their mother, Kathleen Cooper. Last year the Forget Me Not family business reached a momentous milestone – their silver anniversary, celebrating 25 years in business!

The shop has always been called Forget Me Not and this sentiment has become even more relevant in a world where messages and texts are sent and often instantly forgotten! There is just something about buying and receiving a card. It’s personal and it shows a thoughtful, genuine connection between the sender and the receiver. Tracey will be the first to say that it’s well worth the journey to Skellow for a visit to the shop. They have a bit of everything, “If you don’t see what you are looking for, just ask!” She said with a smile.

Exceptional customer service is always part of the experience when you come into the shop. It’s not just transactional, it’s more like a community service hub. Generations of the same family have been buying their cards, gifts and stationery from Forget Me Not. The family business serves the communities of Skellow and neighbouring Campsall, Burghwallis and Five Lane Ends as well as those further afield.

25 years in business is an amazing achievement, and the family are rightly proud of just how far they have come in that time. “The Business Support team at Business Doncaster have been extremely helpful and we have attended workshops and networking opportunities provided by the LAUNCHPAD scheme. It was through LAUNCHPAD that we secured a grant to make the shop more energy efficient with new loft insulation, thermostats and radiators.” Tracey commented.

The future of Forget Me Not Skellow looks bright. They plan to increase their profile on-line with regular postings to engage with a wider audience. Acting on customer preference and feedback they have gradually removed the items that don’t sell well in favour of a fantastic range of high-quality products sourced from trusted suppliers.

They have received lots of great customer feedback and the amount of footfall and repeat business they get is proof that they are doing the right thing for their customers and that they are truly a viable business in an ever-changing retail landscape.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Image Credit: Forget Me Not

HuMa Renewables is a Doncaster-based renewable energy company that specialises in the installation of sustainable energy solutions including air source heat pumps, solar panels, batteries and EV charging pods.

The company was set up in April 2025 by Richard (Rich) Hughes and Richard May and between them they have over 15 years of experience in the renewables industry. Their clients are a mixture of private and commercial property owners looking for lower energy bills and more sustainable living.

The HuMa team works with trusted local trades people and suppliers of solar photovoltaic systems, batteries, and air source heat pumps. Solar PV panels are one of HuMa’s core business offerings, helping households and businesses to lower the cost of their electricity. Solar batteries are also available from HuMa to capture and store excess electricity generated by solar panels, further optimising savings and carbon footprint reduction.

The demand for air source heat pumps is also rising. This is being driven by the efficiency savings they can generate plus government funding that may be available for the upgrade of domestic boilers to air source heat pumps.

LAUNCHPAD has been instrumental in supporting HuMa with their rapid expansion and growth; offering helpful support, advice, and networking opportunities.

“When we first spoke to Gary from Launchpad, he put Rich in touch with the grants scheme run by Doncaster Council. “Launchpad has opened doors for us, and we have attended some great networking events. It has helped us to make the right connections that have enabled us to access funding from schemes such as the Low Carbon Grant Project.” said Richard.

“We needed a bigger office space as we expanded the team. In fact, we moved office three times (in the same building) last year and received a further grant from Business Doncaster for the purchase of new office equipment.”

“We went to some of the Launchpad networking events and social media training courses. We want to do more on social media in the future and we also plan to attend trade exhibitions like Solar and Storage Live. We even got some help with the branding of our van thanks to a Launchpad grant.” Richard added.

Achieving high levels of customer satisfaction is firmly at the heart of the plans for growing HuMa going forward. Geographic expansion across Yorkshire and into new regions will open up new opportunities. The company is on a mission to help Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and the UK reach its net zero targets.

HuMa Renewables has a clear vision to be the best quality renewable energy solutions provider in the UK, with a network of branches nationwide and operations that could extend to manufacturing their own equipment at some point in the not-too-distant future.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Image credit: HuMa Renewables

Marie, from Marie’s Marketing That Matters, set up her own marketing business in April 2025. She provides strategic, practical marketing support, and passionately believes that getting marketing right, really does matter to help businesses to achieve their goals and be successful.

With three decades of experience in both B2B and B2C sectors, Marie specialises in working with small business owners, Managing Directors and in-house marketing teams to provide comprehensive, data-driven marketing campaigns with measurable outcomes. Her goal is to execute marketing plans for her customers that are aligned to their business plans and drive growth and engagement.

Marie secured a business startup grant through the Business Doncaster LAUNCHPAD scheme, which allowed her to purchase essential IT equipment. She has also been working with a designer to develop key brand assets with the funding.

“LAUNCHPAD played a valuable role in my business journey, particularly through its training sessions and networking opportunities. The training provided practical insights and helped me develop new skills that I could immediately apply to my work. Networking events have been beneficial, allowing me to connect with other entrepreneurs, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives. These interactions have not only offered support but have also opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations.”

“Overall, LAUNCHPAD has been instrumental in helping me build confidence, expand my professional network, and access resources that have supported my growth.” Marie said.

Finding new clients to work with has been challenging but rewarding. It has been all about making the time to seek out new opportunities as well as doing all of those “other” jobs that are so vital to running a business, such as  invoicing, managing cashflow, maintaining a regular presence on social media, attending training sessions and events, in addition to delivering high-quality work for her existing clients.

Sometimes it’s knowing when to ask for help that makes the difference to creating successful outcomes for clients. Marie is keen to point out the benefits of partnership working, where projects require expertise in specialisms such as building websites, graphic design, PR and paid for SEO. Marie also advocates the importance of a healthy work-life balance, as it can be much harder to switch off from work when you are self-employed.

Marie is optimistic about the future of her business.

“In terms of both client numbers and turnover, I am on track and meeting my targets. I have also been successful in growing my professional network, which has played a key role in generating new opportunities and supporting my business growth. Remember to always be authentic and people will see your value. The route to winning new business is not always a linear journey!” Marie concluded.

Find out more about Marie’s Marketing That Matters here: https://mariesmarketingthatmatters.co.uk

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Doncaster travel start-up Sightseekr shortlisted for national award

A Doncaster-based travel platform is gaining national recognition after being shortlisted for a UK Small Business Award, while continuing to grow its global audience.

Founded in 2023, Sightseekr creates experience-led travel content and digital guidebooks designed to simplify trip planning. Built on real journeys and honest recommendations, the platform helps travellers access practical, trustworthy insights when exploring new destinations.

The business was established by two local entrepreneurs who met while working as Young Advisors at Doncaster Council. What started as a shared passion for travel has evolved into a growing digital platform reaching customers worldwide.

Alongside developing guidebooks for destinations across Europe and offering personalised itineraries, Sightseekr is also building partnerships with businesses both locally and internationally.

The company’s growth has recently been recognised with a finalist place in the “Best Online Business” category at the UK Small Business Awards.

Sightseekr has also benefited from support through the Doncaster Launchpad programme, delivered by Business Doncaster, which provided early-stage guidance and grant funding to support investment in its website and marketing.

Co-founder Owen Marshall Dungworth said:
“Gary and the team have been so helpful. Their advice and support is invaluable and show what a great place Doncaster is to start a business.”

Looking ahead, the business aims to expand its partnerships, particularly within the local area, while continuing to grow its digital content and international reach.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

• Discover your next trip with Sightseekr here

TWINS HQ is a way more than a traditional beauty salon. Located in a wonderful Georgean building on South Parade, Doncaster, Juliana and Helena Nkansah have created an oasis of tranquillity where their clients, whose ages range from 16 to 80, come to have a variety of treatments done.

These include beauty, brow and lash, nails, hair, permanent make up as well as aesthetics such as cosmetics. Everyone is welcome at TWINS HQ, and the ground floor is accessible for those with mobility issues.

In addition to Juliana and Helena, there is a team of self-employed specialist practitioners and beauticians, all of whom share the TWINS’ professional, customer focused mindset. The site also houses a training facility where students can come to learn the skills of the trade.

You can’t help but be swept along by the positive vibe when you talk to Juliana. Never look back, always look forward is the motto that Juliana and Helena live by.

The TWINS are so proud of what they have achieved but also have a massive desire to give something back. They get a huge sense of satisfaction from teaching and mentoring their students to become professionals in their field so that more clients can benefit from expertly carried out beauty treatments that improve self-esteem and well-being. They have also launched an on-line learning and training portal for students.

With the aid of funding from LAUNCHPAD in 2024, as well as personal loans, the renovation of the interior of the building and expansion of the business to fill four floors went full steam ahead and rebranded the business as TWINS HQ.

“Gillian from LAUNCHPAD has provided help throughout our business Journey. She could see our vision and provided us with mentoring as well as keeping us informed about what is out there in terms of funding, business training and workshops.

“Helena and I were recently on a panel made up of businesses from all over Doncaster for the LAUNCHPAD celebration event at the Corn Exchange. We were delighted to tell our story and to talk about how Doncaster is the perfect place to start, grow and thrive in business.” Juliana said.

“We have created a life for ourselves that we never had when we were growing up. We truly appreciate how far we have come and our positive shared mindset has got us to where we are now and this will enable us to deliver our vision for the future of TWINS HQ.” Juliana concluded.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Image Credit: Twins HQ Academy

Anthony Browne is the founder and owner of The Fitness Coach, an amazing sport and fitness business, based in Doncaster.

Anthony, and his team of coaches, have created a specialist speed hub, jam packed with technology and innovative equipment. The Fitness Coach’s driving purpose is to enable athletes to develop the mastery of movement using cutting-edge metrics. They offer performance coaching in a number of areas including athlete development, strength and conditioning, acceleration training and speed mechanics and movement. Established in 2019, The Fitness Coach provides coaching and training for athletes of all ages and all abilities from grass roots level to first team pros. 

Business Doncaster and the LAUNCHPAD team have been catalysts for the success of the business.

Grateful for the help he has received, Anthony said: “Debbie and Sharon from Business Doncaster are the dream team. They are a perfect example of what can be achieved with a people-first support network. They have helped in lots of ways, including mentoring, networking, training and financial support. We had some digitisation grant money to fund the purchase of equipment that helps monitor the motion and gait of our athletes, using world-class digital technology.”

Looking to the future with a high degree of optimism, Anthony has made operational and infrastructure changes that will enable his business to grow in the future. On-line coaching opens up a world-wide audience and on-line booking systems, and automated payments have streamlined some of the processes. He has taken on more coaching staff and is fully prepared to invest in getting the very best people who share his values to join his team.

Anthony has a vision of what the next stage of development for his Fitness Coach business will look like and it involves a huge transformation. This centres around a move to larger premises, making his services accessible to more people and providing a world-class performance, speed development, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning facility to help his clients become better athletes. His vision is to provide top level coaching that is accessible to everyone and for the Fitness Coach speed and performance hub to be a place where champions are made.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Image Credit: The Fitness Coach

Launched in October 2024, Treo Recruitment has a refreshingly different approach to recruitment and is carving out a niche in the marketplace, focusing on putting people and partnership before profit.

Neil Jones, and recruitment partner Hayley Dodd, originally worked together as part of the in-house recruitment for a mental health hospital. The sale of the hospital spurred Neil on to set up and run his own business. Neil and Hayley have now been joined by David Shaul, who took up his new role as recruitment partner in early 2026.

By delivering high-quality, cost-effective recruitment services, Treo is helping Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), charities and local businesses to find their ideal candidates with a combination of personal service and low-cost flexible partnerships that enable their clients to recruit the right people as their business needs evolve.

In addition to offering recruitment services for sectors such as healthcare, retail and hospitality, they also support the local community. The Treo team is totally committed to investing time and resource into the local area, supporting charities and grass roots sports.

 “Treo was born from a belief that recruitment doesn’t have to be impersonal or overpriced. We built this agency to offer honest advice, exceptional service and sustainable solutions that benefit everyone: employers, candidates and the communities we serve. Above all we would like to have a positive impact on the lives of job seekers, employers and the communities across every region we support. Attracting new business and being able to do more community work go hand in hand and are a benchmark of success.” Neil commented.

The services provided by Business Doncaster and the LAUNCHPAD team have been extremely helpful in the early days of Treo. As Neil explains, “Gary and Sue spent time getting to know us. They were hands-on, visiting the office, listening to our plans, and offering advice. We have found the training courses and networking opportunities particularly useful and plan to continue to use these services.”

Treo’s business plans and goals have been carefully put together with long-term sustainability, values-driven growth and community impact at the core. Ambitious future plans will see Treo Recruitment expanding their people-first, community focused style of recruitment in different geographical areas, staffed by teams that mirror Treo’s values, culture, community investment and outstanding service.

Looking for support:

Launchpad is a fully funded business support programme .  It is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up, run successful businesses, and support SMEs under three years old and micro businesses of any age to take the next step and grow their business.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has received £1,456,908 investment through the UK Shared prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK

Launchpad Doncaster:

Contact launchpad@doncaster.gov.uk

Image Credit: Treo Recruitment