BUSINESSWOMAN Julie Barnes has no doubts - inflation is a good thing.

Balloon Decor, which showcases her talents for balloon decorating and sculptures, has been on the up since its inception in October.

Julie, who lives in Rutherford Drive, Over Hulton, Bolton, went to the former Leigh Grammar School and Bolton Art College.

She had a successful career in sales and marketing until she was made redundant last May.

Then - looking for something to do using her artistic background - she was alerted to the possibilities in balloons when she attended the Harrogate Fair.

She saw copies of publications from America, where decorations for conventions, seminars, weddings and other events are big business.

Having decided to go for it, Julie went on the local Headstart course, studied for qualifications at various locations throughout the country and attended a five-day European Balloon Symposium in Paris. By October she expects to be a CBA - Certified Balloon Artist.

Since she started operations she has found that each display has attracted further orders.

The decorations she did earlier this year for the Bolton Business Awards dinner and the Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce dinner - both in Bolton Town Hall - were something of a talking point.

A nautical theme for the visit of yachtswoman Rosie Swale included a giant anchor.

She is building-up corporate business throughout the region and she also creates individual designs for wedding receptions, themed parties and other celebrations.

She says: "My average wedding costs £200 to £600 - it is quality."

Julie says it is a complex business working out details such as the number of balloons involved and the amount of gas needed.

"It's not for the faint-hearted," she said.

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