Laurène Mosely, SleepaSloth: 'StartUp UK has been invaluable in giving me the confidence I need to run all areas of my business.'

StartUp UK is Enterprise Nation's scheme to provide free tailored support to budding entrepreneurs.

Backed by the UK government and high-profile firm Monzo Business, the programme delivers initiatives such as e-learning, online training, national events and flagship annual conferences throughout the UK.

As the scheme runs, we're talking to business owners who have been taking part, to hear how it's benefited them so far. Here, we talk to Laurène Mosely, whose company SleepaSloth is creating a sound machine designed to help babies sleep.

How did you come up with your business idea?

The idea for the business originated when I was struggling to put my son to sleep. I'd tried various sleep aids and different techniques and approaches, but none of them really worked. I decided I had to build the baby sleep machine that I wanted for my own children!

As a business, we're still at the prototype stage, so the plan and current focus is on bringing SleepaSloth to market. That way, we can help other parents and babies get the sleep they deserve.

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What do you think makes your business unique?

We're a woman-led, family start-up that's aiming to change the way new families deal with sleep. Our innovative baby sleep aid and accompanying mobile apps are designed to work the way different families need them to.

Sleep deprivation is an important topic that has serious consequences on both physical and mental health and would benefit from further awareness and education.

You've taken part in Enterprise Nation's StartUp UK programme. What were your reasons for doing it?

There were a few key reasons. I wanted to widen and deepen my knowledge about areas of business. I also wanted to meet other entrepreneurs, both those who have lots of experience and those who are completely new to it all. And lastly, I hope later I can give back to this community of people across the UK who are willing to take the risk to start their own businesses!

How has the StartUp UK programme benefited you and your business so far?

There are just so many aspects to starting your own business that it can feel overwhelming and you don't know where to start. The StartUp UK programme has been great at providing digestible introductions to completely new topics, as well as going deeper on topics in which I already had some experience.

It's allowed me to get in touch with some of the speakers and presenters to get personalised help and advice. The programme has been invaluable in giving me the confidence I need to operate across all the areas of my new business. 

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Visit the StartUp UK hub for resources that give you the education and inspiration to get started on your entrepreneurial journey.