A Helping Hand From The Prince’s Trust

After losing his job in December 2011 and there being a lack of jobs available, Gary Turgoose wasn’t sure where to turn. He thought that setting up his own business may be a solution so googled ‘funding for businesses’ and was introduced to youth charity The Prince’s Trust. The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme gives unemployed young people aged 18-30 the skills and confidence to set up in business or find a job. Once he had looked on the website, Gary got in touch with The Prince’s Trust and enrolled onto a taster session to find out more. This led to him going on a free 4-day course where he learnt all about how to do his financing, HMRC, tax returns, marketing and much more. After this course Gary put together a business plan and was provided with some funding, which enabled him to test trade in different areas and receive vital customer feedback. The completed business plan was then presented in front of a panel by Gary, and The Prince’s Trust provided him with a local business mentor and a grant.

The grant was used to purchase marketing materials a uniform, banner, business cards and a market stall. A mentor was then introduced to Gary, someone who he meets up with once a month to provided support, discuss ideas and see how the business is running compared to the business plan.

The Koala Mobile market stall can be seen at four different markets (Louth, Mablethorpe, Stamford and Hemswell) and at one of these markets Gary has just taken on a member of staff to help him. He also has a website with all his products on. www.koalamobile.co.uk, with FREE delivery for any purchases.

Gary told MTN,
“I really enjoy it. It is hard work but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I now want to concentrate on growing the business and the brand. The Prince’s Trust have been amazing and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today. Anyone who is wanting to learn things or needs help and advice, then I would definitely recommend they get in touch. It’s not just about the financial support you may receive, but the advice is priceless.”

Trudy Roberts from The Prince’s Trust in Lincolnshire said:
“Before Gary came onto our Enterprise programme he was struggling to find work but we helped him become his own boss with a grant and support from a local mentor. This year The Prince’s Trust is celebrating 30 years of setting up young people in business and Gary is one of 80,000 young entrepreneurs we’ve helped across the UK. We would encourage other unemployed young people out there to get in touch if they too are interested in setting up in business.”

For more information please visit www.princes-trust.org.uk / 0800 842 842

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