Stover School’s Economics and Maths six form students listened fascinated to local businesswoman Anne Walker MBE when she came into school to tell them the story of how she built up her company International Dance Supplies Ltd into a multi-million pound exporting business.
A true entrepreneur, Anne grew her business, based in Newton Abbot, virtually single handed from a simple start in Liverpool. She told the students about the many major decisions and challenges she faced, successfully, during more than 35 years.
In a talk which was full of many interesting points, it was particularly interesting to learn about the importance Anne places on having and valuing good staff, with strong training programmes and promoting staff from within the company, developing their talents and abilities.
On the financial front Anne explained how the business had been developed mainly through internal financing, from earnings, retained profits, keeping gearing low and avoiding the costs of external finance.
Her latest venture, the recent highly successful move into the US market, took courage and good planning – in true entrepreneurial style!
After the talk students had many questions for her and she was most generous with her time and, as we know for a business person, time is money!