Julia Goddard sells vintage and antique collectables online through her business Spot on Porcelain and Collectables. She was supported in the set up of this business by Inspiring Enterprise business advisor Paul Creeden.

An expert in the field

Located in Petworth, a region well-known for antiques, Julia prides herself on being an expert in her field,

“I am highly skilled in dating specific ceramics such as Wedgwood, Royal Albert, Royal Worcester and discontinued lines. I can identify which items are rare and highly collectable. I also get excellent feedback from my customers and I’m a top-rated seller on eBay.”

Julia sources her products from auction houses, and charity shops and sells them internationally online.  She also offers a highly protective bubble wrap service which means her customers receive their prized antiques in top-notch condition. She has a passion for what she does,

“I love my job, especially the fun and happiness it gives me and my family when we make a good profit on a low-cost item.”

The journey to Inspiring Enterprise

After working in the corporate world for a decade, she had previously set up her own business via support from the Prince’s Trust. Unfortunately, she experienced some challenging times in her personal life and suffered with some mental health issues.

“I realised I needed to continue to be self-employed as it fitted with my family’s needs. After speaking to my job coach at the job centre, I was put in touch with the Inspiring Enterprise project.”

Support from Inspiring Enterprise

When Julia met Paul, she needed to refocus her retail offering to make her business more sustainable,

“Paul helped me understand where to concentrate my efforts so that my profits could grow! He made me think about which products I wanted to focus on. This has helped me immensely in the growth of my business. Thanks to Paul’s advice, my turnover has increased and I’m able to invest in more stock.” 

Growing the business

Now that Spot on Porcelain and Collectables is turning over a profit, Julia has personal and business goals in mind,

“I would like to study some Practical Bookkeeping courses so that I can understand the finances of my business better. The ultimate aim is to take on some employees as the business grows.”

Julia’s top tip for future entrepreneurs

“Never give up, times may be tough right now, but it will pick up.”

You can find Spot on Porcelain and Collectables on their eBay shop.

Inspiring Enterprise

WSX Enterprise Ltd is a business support organisation delivering a range of start-up, business growth and digital skills projects across the UK.

Their Inspiring Enterprise project ran from 2016 until 2023 in Hampshire and Surrey. Our team of experts advised, mentored and supported over 1000 people to find a better future by moving them into self-employment, employment or training.
The project is currently not taking any new enquiries and will finish in April 2023.

It was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Union European Social Fund.