Wedding firm Mia Sposa plans to expand

Newcastle-based Mia Sposa has begun supplying weddings as far afield as the Middle East and North America and is looking to further grow its global customer base following its investment in a new online store.

The company is run by husband-and-wife team Mark and Joy Dowell, who both left behind successful careers in non-retail sectors in 2002 to set up the shop and oversee its growth.

It initially started life as a franchise business as part of the Pronuptia group, but two years ago it split from its parent company, which fell into difficulty at the start of the recession.

As well as investing in a new software system, the firm has also launched its own fashion label which is only available from the Newcastle business.

Dowell, a former electronic engineer, said: “We have exclusive designers for the North East region and even have our own private label, which is only available in Newcastle, giving our brides something unique.”

Mia Sposa’s growth in recent months has been supported by accountancy and business advisory firm RMT, which has assisted the firm in developing its business model.

RMT’s Head of Tax Anthony Andreasen said: “The company has shown that it is possible to put growth plans back on track by finding new revenue streams online rather than waiting for conditions to improve or access to finance to become easier again.”