A GRAPPENHALL entrepreneur has bucked the national trend by reporting record-breaking sales during lockdown.

Online marketing specialist Helen Pritchard, 40, won the ‘High Growth Business of the Year’ category at the FSB Awards 2020 (North West) in February.

She has secured £445,000 in sales orders for her LinkedIn Mastermind programme from her latest launches – helping more than 340 new entrepreneurs learn how to get more business online.

“I know many business owners are struggling right now and, believe me, I totally get it,” said the single mum of two.

“I have been there myself in the past – heavily in debt and needing to pay my bills. I realised that some people wouldn’t be able to afford to buy my Mastermind during these uncertain times, so we put on an additional free 5-Day LinkedIn Challenge for 2,000 business owners to help them with their marketing.”

In total, Helen has delivered three free challenges back to back during lockdown for nearly 10,000 people.

“A percentage of those challengees have chosen to pay for my 12-week online group coaching programme to continue their learning, which is amazing!” she added.

“I’m sharing my story to demonstrate that even in these unprecedented times, it’s still possible to sell when you stand strong in who you are, what you do and how you help people. The way through is to do the work, be consistent and show up every day.”

Helen attended the FSB Awards less than a month before lockdown was introduced. She was one of 11 winning north west-based businesses who will go through to the UK finals, which are currently postponed.

Chris Manka, FSB North West regional chair, said: “Congratulations to all this year’s North West FSB Celebrating Small Business Award winners. They are reflective of the vibrancy, innovation and tenacity that makes up our small business community. It’s been thrilling to see so many businesses enthusiastically take part in our awards.”

Helen’s latest accolade follows a 2019 EVA Awards win in the ‘Internet Industry’ category. She is also a joint finalist in the ‘Best Blog’ category at this year’s Single Mums Business Network Awards – recognising her role as project host of #SheCan365.