Orly Watts

London, LND (UK)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

Belly Buttons

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Location: London
Industry: Retail/Clothing
Year Founded: 2007
Number Employees: 1-10 people
Description: Belly Buttons was conceived to create a Unique Brand of localised, privately owned, family centres. The local Belly Buttons will serve as a leisure centre, a ‘one stop shop’ for parents and would be recognised for its high standards and quality of professional services dedicated for families. Our aim is to create a place which can be a ‘Second Home’ for families where they can meet, play and learn. Belly Buttons’ Professional Content Advisory Board includes a variety of experienced professionals from the following disciplines – Obstetrics, Developmental Paediatrics, Clinical Psychology Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. The business structure consists of 3 integrated yet stand-alone business areas which complement one another: The Family Centre, Café and Gift Shop. The Family Centre - Focus on various ongoing activities, seminars, lectures and forums, divided into different categories such as Pregnancy, Children World (0-4yrs), Parenting, and Women’s Zone. All teaching elements, where possible, are based on scientifically tested methods by ensuring a high standard across all staff, support and materials. Café - A child friendly environment which also caters for all family needs using fresh, non preservatives products. Gift Shop - Provides products in support of the activity centre and unique products for play and child development. The company has prepared a detailed financial forecast for its first 5 years of operations. The forecast starts from the time in which the company will complete its seed round of fund raising. The forecast takes into account 6-8 months of setting up and another 5 operational years following the opening of the first branch. Based on the background information gathered by the company and on several conservative business assumptions, the company is projected to break even by its first operational year. The company is projected to become profitable in its second year of operations with 25% margins. The second branch is expected to be opened at the beginning of the 3rd year, and to leverage its momentum at that time, to a dramatic growth in its revenue and profits in the following years. Belly Buttons plans to use the raised funds for its future growth. Funds invested in the company will be used mainly to finance the company’s setup costs in establishing the new brand, refurbishment and licensing, recruiting the staff, teacher training and corporate and marketing costs. In addition, the company will use the funds to pay for the services provided by the advisory board in completing the curriculum, necessary material and intellectual property. We are currently looking for investors in our venture who can also bring their ‘know how’ skills on board. We can offer a share of our equity which would be negotiated depending on the financials and level of involvement.