6th August 2024
The achievements of nine young West Cumbrians who set up their own businesses have been celebrated at an event in Whitehaven.
The entrepreneurs, aged between 15 and 25, all took part in the Positive Enterprise programme, an initiative from Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CfLP) to help young people go into business.
The nine were each given a £1,000 grant at the start of this year, and have received mentoring from an experienced businessperson, and skills and leadership development opportunities from CforLP.
At a celebration event at Whitehaven Civic Hall, the young people each gave a presentation about their business, explaining where their idea had come from, and talking through the successes and challenges they had faced.
Chloe Pennington, 16, from Whitehaven, was awarded an extra £1,000 on the night by judges who were impressed by the presentation she gave about her business, Chloe’s Chateau. Chloe creates and sells original art and gifts, transforming her own brightly coloured, hand-drawn artwork showing scenes from West Cumbria and beyond into prints, mugs and other giftware.
She said: “I started selling on Etsy in October 2020 and then expanded to local shops and craft fairs. With the Positive Enterprise grant, I decided to invest in printers and mugs, and scale up my business. This has all been while doing my GCSEs so it has been a bit full on in my house but all good fun!
“I really want to sell further afield. My dream is to go from the seven stockists I currently have in Cumbria, to the whole of the UK, and then the world.
“Being on the programme with so many brilliant young participants, that have now become friends, is a privilege that I am so very grateful for and one that any young person would benefit hugely from.
“It’s endorsed my belief that if you want something badly enough, with a lot of hard work and a little bit of help from your friends, it’s absolutely achievable.”
The judges chose Jackson Slack, of Silloth, as highly commended runner-up. His business – Football Fluidity – offers 1-2-1 football coaching at affordable prices.
Jackson said: “Football is my passion so with this business, I’m getting paid to do a job I love. I thought of the idea last year but the Positive Enterprise grant was the catalyst for the business. I wouldn’t have been able to afford everything I needed without it. Equipment, insurance, first aid kit, goals – everything adds up.
“It’s not just the money though, it’s the knowledge as well.”
Jackson’s mentor was Jenny Brumby, of Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership. “I feel really lucky to have had her,” he said. “She has helped me avoid obstacles, and get past any obstacles that I do encounter. It’s really nice having that experience, someone to guide you.”
David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation, presented certificates to all the participants and praised them for their efforts.
He told them: “You have all shown that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking here in West Cumbria. We know that mentoring makes a positive difference. Soak up that advice – it’s your business so make your own decisions, but also listen to the advice you’re given.”
The guest speakers were Glenn Anderson, of Proud and Diverse Cumbria, and James Batchelor, of Alertacall, who gave the young entrepreneurs this piece of guidance: “Nurture the ability to talk to people around you. Anybody you sit or stand next to, on a bus or a train, might be the person who can make your dreams come true.”
The businesses created range from animal accessories and sweets to self-care packages for people undergoing chemotherapy.
Ava Marshall, 15, of Whitehaven, set up Lightside Equestrian & Pet Products. She produces and sells horse fly rugs made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles; plus other pet accessories such as dog bandanas, treat bags, and boot covers.
Ava said: “I was selected for the Positive Enterprise programme back in January and it has truly been amazing. The help and support I’ve received has been lifechanging and the people I’ve met along the way have made a big difference to not only my business, but also to me.”
Sustainability was a key driver for several of the young entrepreneurs.
Scott Sharpe, 21, of Whitehaven, sells vintage clothing and upcycled items through his business White Horse Vintage. He was inspired to create his brand by his love for retro clothing, and a desire to reduce fast fashion.
And Aaron Groggins, 22, also from Whitehaven, launched Lakeland Life – market-style festival events promoting food, drink and sustainability.
“I’ve got a real passion for business, and the challenges you come across,” he said. “I could work all day and night!
“When I first signed up for the programme, I was quite nervous. I thought, ‘am I going to be able to do it?’ But I’ve had so much support. The mentoring has been absolutely exceptional. I can’t put into words how much help I’ve had.”
Haidee Trohear, 17, of Seascale, creates decorated glass bottles and drinking glasses through her business which she named Glaxto.
“I’d wanted to set up a business for a while and this inspired me to actually do it. The programme has been really helpful. I would have been lost without it. Both my mentor Harry, and also the other participants – some of them had already started their businesses, so I’ve been able to learn from them and that has been really helpful.”
Jasmine Riddick, 17 of Workington, set up Jasmine Grace: Made with Love to create self-care packages for people with anxiety and those going through chemotherapy. She explained: “I just want to bring a little positivity to someone who is going through a difficult journey.”
Meyrem Korkmaz, 17, of Maryport, established her business Sweet Stems to sell handmade bouquets of sweets at affordable prices.
Alfie Goodwin, 15, of Whitehaven, also sells sweets through his business Sugar Tongue. His mentor was Mark Cant, one of the brains behind the Cumbrian Tea brand. Mark said: “I was a Positive Enterprise mentor last year too and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s about giving something back and helping the next generation, and I learn a lot from the young people involved too.”
This was the Positive Enterprise programme’s second year. The three-year programme is funded by the Cumbria-based property developer Brian Scowcroft with match funding from Sellafield Ltd as part of its Transforming West Cumbria programme, Nuclear Waste Services, Well Whitehaven, Morgan Sindall and Kaefer.
Elizabeth Atkinson, of Kaefer, said: “We think it’s really important to support programmes like Positive Enterprise that help build confidence and the essential skills that we as an employer are looking for. It teaches problem solving, patience, communication – all the essential skills we look for are covered in the programme.”
The programme is delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance. Early Careers Project Lead Rhianna Smith said: “We’re blown away by the creativity and self-motivation of all the young entrepreneurs. With the invaluable support from their mentors and our practical workshops and programme of support, they’ve developed key employability and entrepreneurial skills such as negotiation, time management, and business knowledge.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch how these young people have formed a supportive peer network to learn together and bounce ideas off each other. Positive Enterprise is truly a springboard for these young people and their exciting business ideas.”
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Thank you to all of the donors who have funded this truly transformational programme, which will no doubt have a lasting effect on the young people involved throughout their careers.
“We look forward to recruiting the next group of young entrepreneurs in the autumn.”
For more information visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/transforming-west-cumbria/positive-enterprise/