The pandemic has changed the face of businesses across the country.

Here at South Rugby News we’ve been talking to companies in our communities, sharing their stories of innovation, kindness, challenge and determination. 

When the third national lockdown hit, wife and husband team Lorraine and Ian Bradley of Rush Design decided to sell their greeting cards directly to the public.

“We set up a shop on the Etsy platform which has a reputation for quality, designer/makers. It has proved better than initially anticipated and it has meant that we can target our local audience too,” Lorraine said.

“Once we were up and running we posted in Cawston Grange Neighbours Facebook page which generated a nice flurry of orders which we can hand deliver within walking distance. It's a balancing act as to how much you put yourself in front of people on Facebook groups. If it’s overdone then it does not have the same impact.

“Since we ‘make to order’ for our Etsy shop we can offer customisation, personalisation and pretty much design and make any image/caption option for the customer.”

They’ve been publishing hand-finished greeting cards since 2014, selling through independent gift shops, garden centres and other retailers like Etcetera in Rugby or Smiths Nurseries in Baginton. 

Lorraine does the designing and day-to-day running of the business, while Ian helps with marketing, trade shows and anything else he can fit in.

“When lockdown first happened last March it was pretty devastating initially. It took a few weeks to come to terms with the fact things were not going to change overnight,” she said.

“We thrived again once the shops opened up again in July. There was a huge support for local independent shops.”

Chief designer Lorraine created 11 new designs for Mother’s Day this year.

The majority of her designs take their inspiration from nature and architecture, she said. 

With today being International Women’s Day, and Mothering Sunday just around the corner, Lorraine said: “It is great to see women become successful in business and life. We always like to acknowledge the key international days including women, cats and cake to mention a few.”

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