From dad's engineering firm to running own fashion store

Amelia Tordoff is busy designing an aquatic-themed window display at her stylish Ecclesall Road boutique.

“This is a typical situation for me,” she laughs while hanging strings of sparkling turquoise necklaces on some giant seashells. “As a business owner you find yourself doing everything from ordering stock to sweeping the floor to balancing the books, but it’s really important in this business to make a good first impression with the displays.”

Love the Lot makes an impression with racks of fashionable clothing from niche European designers.

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Amelia started the business in 2014 before moving to a prime sport on Ecclesall Road.

Prior to starting her retail business, she worked with dad Fraser in the family business – Northern Electrical Engineering.

The firm was started in Sheffield by her grandfather in 1964. A world away from fashionable frocks, it designs and builds back-up power for buildings such as airports and hospitals.

“It is a totally different environment,” says Amelia. “However I worked there for five years and I picked up business skills.”

Dad Fraser has worked at Northern since his early 20s.

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He believes that business fundamentals remain the same despite the more influence of new technology and social media.

“Look after cash flow and loyal customers would be my top tips.”

He says he had no worries when Amelia said she was starting her own business.

“I knew she had a good idea and her natural eye for style would win through. But all businesses are a risk and you do worry about the financial side of it.”