Name: Christine Garthwaite

Trading Ward:

Business Name: Harmonize

Business Address:

Park Lane Business Centre, Park Lane, Bradford, BD5 0LN

Telephone: 01274 601767

Background of Business

Christine Garthwaite was made redundant aged 50 after working for the same firm for more than 16 years. She set up Harmonize Accounts in September 2007, becoming a limited company in August 2009. She is a vocal supporter of Bradford Grid, the networking and support organisation for entrepreneurs looking to start a business.
 
She joined forces with bookkeeper Sue McGrath and chartered accountants Nigel Gorski and Sarah Oddy, also members of the Grid. Christine provides services such as payroll management, bookkeeping and administration to a number of businesses within the Bradford district and is always on the lookout for new clients.

Support Journey

Being part of Bradford Grid, a partner agency of Bradford Council’s enterprise scheme Kickstart, has given Harmonize access to assistance, events and opportunities which have helped nurture her business.
 
As well as Business Development Leaders within the Grid providing expert advice, the peer support structures in place have allowed Harmonize to exchange ideas and learn from similar start-ups about how to best grow the company.

Where are they now

Ready access to new business opportunities via fresh members of the Grid Grid has also helped Harmonize find extra business and Christine, Sue and Nigel now work with more than 70 clients. After a successful start-up, Harmonize began renting its own office from Bradford Trident within Bradford’s Park Lane Business Centre.
 
Having benefited from the business support available within Bradford Grid, Christine says she owes “everything” to the service.
 
“Harmonize would not exist without Bradford Grid, it is as simple as that,” she said.
 
“I had plenty of desire and knowledge in starting my own business but it was the guidance and past experience that I could draw on within the Grid which allowed things to develop. There is a great atmosphere there – a sense of everyone being able to achieve something in business.
 
“As well as the technical support, it has also helped on the emotional side. There are quite a few ups and downs being self employed and it is good to be able to let off steam with Grid staff and the other businesses – and celebrate when it goes well!”