JO Millner worried she may fail when she set up her bridal company in the middle of a recession. But 20 months on with Mila Brides developing a reputation for its independently designed wedding dresses and other bridal services, she feels she is getting into the swing of being an entrepreneur.

She has since bought a beauty salon and hairdressing business also in Acomb, now known as Mila Spa, which is part of Jo’s vision of a growing Mila brand, and which will add hair and beauty services and hen nights to Mila’s existing offering.

By the end of 2010, Jo intends to launch Planning Angels, a wedding planning business, to provide a complete offer and encourage UK brides to buy wedding planner services as is the norm in the United States, she said.

Jo now hopes to win the Women In Enterprise category or Small Business Of The Year at The Press Business Awards.