Andy Harris

The founder of the successful clothing brand Balling attributes much of his entrepreneurial success to the skills and experiences he gained while studying Business Management at the University of Derby.

Andy's journey from a Business Management student to a successful entrepreneur highlights the profound impact of his education at the university. The independence, organisation, time management, networking, and collaboration skills he developed during his studies have been pivotal in achieving his business goals and continuing to drive the company Balling success.

University journey

During his studies, Andy particularly valued the modules on marketing, strategy and communications. The course provided him with a solid foundation for creating effective marketing strategies and communicating his brand vision. The practical aspects of his education, including collaborative projects and networking opportunities, played a significant role in shaping his business.

One of Andy’s fondest memories from his time at the University of Derby was attending his graduation ceremony. Celebrating his accomplishments and reconnecting with his fellow graduates made the event a truly memorable experience, reinforcing the strong network he had built during his studies. This network proved invaluable as he ventured into the business world.

Passion combined with innovation and creativity 

Andy’s entrepreneurial journey began during his second year at university when he started collecting clothes from local charity shops in Derby and selling them on Depop, an online marketplace popular among young fashion enthusiasts.

This venture allowed him to apply his marketing skills directly, designing his own hoodies that resonated with his growing customer base. The marketing strategies he developed during his course helped him stand out in the crowded online marketplace.

Early challenges and breakthroughs

After graduating, Andy worked at Morrisons while continuing to grow Balling. His dedication to running a business, a value instilled through his university course, led him to arrange pop-up events at his local village hall, selling clothes. These events were crucial in expanding his business and customer base.

A significant breakthrough came when Andy met Ian, a business owner in Coalville, who offered him the use of a spare space above his shop. This dedicated space allowed Andy to increase his inventory and manage his operations more efficiently, whilst also demonstrating the importance of networking and collaboration - skills emphasised during his university education.  

Opening Balling in a retail space, Andy was able to grow his customer base further offering a welcoming atmosphere. Managing the shop involves various responsibilities, from liaising with employee to financial matters and stock control. The skills which Andy developed during his studies have been crucial in juggling these tasks effectively. 

Future aspirations

Looking ahead, Andy aims to expand Balling nationally and his role as the director of the Coalville Town Team, a local business organisation, clearly reflects his commitment to community development.

Andy plans to collaborate with other large sellers to organise a vintage clothing market in Coalville town centre, using his ability to capitalise on networking and collaboration opportunities to further grow his business.