A Bristol-based business which admits to having more than a few skeletons in its cupboard is celebrating its first three successful years in business and the appointment of its first national franchisee.
The Detective Project, which provides events based on “scene of crime” analysis to children and adults through detective birthday parties, educational workshops and corporate events was launched by Stoke-Bishop-based mum and former career detective Jenny Williams at the end of September 2010.
Jenny, who has worked with both the Metropolitan and Avon and Somerset police forces, combined her expertise and knowledge of scenes of crime methodology with her experience as a Mum to her children now aged 9 and 11, to create the event business.
By offering fun science-based events to individuals, schools, summer and youth clubs and businesses, The Detective Project aims to spark an interest in science and give participants the opportunity to experience ‘hands on’ challenges in crime scene investigation. Those taking part in events get to dress up as a Scenes of Crime Officer, confront a “crime scene” with skeletons and clues and are encouraged to use real life 21st century investigation techniques and cutting-edge forensic science theory and practice to solve the mystery.
The events are ideal as parties for children aged seven plus and for businesses and organisations promoting teamwork and shared challenges. The concept has been so successful that The Detective Project, which is already a winner of Mumpreneur 100 and a 2012 What’s On for Juniors award, has doubled its turnover each year and is working to meet demand outside of its West Country area.
The challenge has led Jenny, a STEM Ambassador who actively encourages young learners to enjoy Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects and informs them about the unique career opportunities that are available to them, to offer The Detective Project as a full-time business franchise opportunity across the UK.
Now with first franchisee Steve Sharkey, a retired Metropolitan police officer, having launched The Detective Project North East Surrey last month and more franchise enquiries in the pipeline, Jenny is looking forward optimistically to the next three years of business success.
“Starting-up and running a business has meant three years of working harder than I ever thought was possible, but the time and effort is paying off with growing numbers of bookings for both parties and corporate events, lots of interest in our franchise offering and our first new office now up and running.” says Jenny.
“Customers love the originality of our idea and that Detective Project events are educational as well as entertaining. Our business customers also enjoy offering their teams of staff a corporate workshop which is unusual, fun and challenging.
“Meanwhile whilst the business opportunity is ideal for former police officers and forensic scientists teachers and event managers, anyone people orientated can, with the comprehensive training package and process, be fully prepared and equipped to run their own Detective Project.
“I am proud that within three years we have gone from a start-up enterprise to a successful business which is attracting franchise enquiries from across the UK.” concludes Jenny.
“My ambition is that in a further three years The Detective Project will be known across many more areas of the UK and that a wider audience of children and adults will have experienced the joys and challenges of donning a Scenes of Crime Officer suit, picking up their magnifying glass and engaging with forensic science!”
The Detective Project can be contacted on 0117 244 0053 or for more information visit www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk.
