After facing unemployment for more than a year, Tom felt depressed about his future. He was stuck in a rut, and felt like giving up. Although he was applying for a variety of jobs locally, no work came his way, which he puts down to his lack of experience.
Tom had no choice but to live at home with his parents during his struggle to find work. The family pulled together to support him, but he had difficulties making ends meet whilst on Job Seeker’s Allowance.
After a long period on benefits, Tom heard about The Prince’s Trust. He had always been a keen skater, but had never previously thought that he could turn his passion into a business. After going on The Trust’s Enterprise programme, he felt confident about his future for the first time.
“I had literally no business experience before I came to The Prince’s Trust, but the course filled me with confidence straight away.” he said. “I had an idea to set up a skate shop in Rotherham town centre and with support from The Trust, I decided to go for it.
“The Trust gave me a business mentor and it was so helpful to have someone to talk to, who could advise me on my business plan – something I would never have imagined myself doing before.”
Tom managed to secure a business loan from The Prince’s Trust so that he could afford a premises and buy stock for his new store. He launched his business – Prop Skate Store – in December 2011.
Tom said: I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved – and I couldn’t have done it without the support of The Prince’s Trust. Young people who used to get up to no good in the park are now taking up skating – and coming into my shop to hang-out – so I’m really pleased that I’ve given them something positive to keep them focused.
Tom’s shop is already bringing customers into Rotherham from the surrounding towns, helping with the regeneration of the local area. The business is hitting all of its financial targets after only six months and within the first few months – which are generally the quietest time of the year for skating – he won a local business award for his outstanding achievements.
He said: The support of The Prince’s Trust has been completely life-changing. Without them, I would still be unemployed and struggling to get by. Instead, I am my own boss and I’m doing what I love.
