New ambassadors appointed to pass on advice to young entrepreneurs
PASSING ON THEIR EXPERTISE: Mark Baxter and Ethan Hall being interviewed by Ross Bennett during Global Entrepreneurship Week
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Young entrepreneurs in Hull can tap into the expertise and experience behind three growing businesses after the appointment of the latest crop of Youth Enterprise Ambassadors.
Ethan Hall, Mark Baxter and Lucy Johnson have all stepped into the roles and will be able to assist other young people by drawing on the lessons learned as they have worked to turn ideas into business opportunities.
Ethan is the founder and owner of HammerHead, a sportswear brand founded with a passion to make a real difference. The business specialises in high-quality athletic apparel and custom items for teams and is built on the belief that sportswear can be more than just clothing – it can inspire and empower.
Mark set up Inspire Interiors and has received glowing testimonials from domestic and business clients about his services, which range from fitted and free-standing furniture to bespoke interiors and full turnkey room transformations.
Lucy is a professional photographer who is developing her skills having received support and guidance from the Making Changes for Careers programme (MC4C) around key aspects of running your own business.
The three have been selected by Hull City Council and the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank (JCYEB) to encourage other young people to develop enterprising ideas. They have all come through MC4C programme and progressed into self-employment with the support of the council and test market grants from JCYEB as part of the local authority’s commitment to ensure Hull is a place where young entrepreneurs thrive.
They will work with other members of the MC4C team to advise on future Youth Enterprise activities and programmes, visit schools and colleges to inspire others and represent the views of young entrepreneurs in other city council projects including the launch later this year of the new Youth Enterprise Hub at 161 High Street.
The guidance which they received as part of the MC4C programme has helped them understand essential areas of business such as managing finances, paying taxes and choosing the right business structure, as well as marketing and branding.
In addition to training sessions, they have received direct guidance from business leaders and have benefited from networking opportunities with other companies and brands, helping to build confidence and motivation.
Grants are also available and Lucy used hers to invest in marketing and branding through business cards, a new booking system and a professional website as well as resources and equipment that significantly improved her efficiency, enabling her to take on three times as many bookings per month.
SHARING HER JOURNEY: Lucy Johnson
Ethan said: “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to become an ambassador for MC4C. I can’t wait to get started, visiting schools and people within our local community and helping to spread knowledge on starting your own business, going over the pros and the cons.
“It’s a privilege to be asked to do this and represent MC4C and I can’t wait for what the future holds for me as an official ambassador!”
Mark added: “When I was asked to be an ambassador for MC4C I jumped at the opportunity. Not only will I hopefully be able to help others looking to start in business, but I believe this will be beneficial for myself and my business development.
“I have already attended a few events recently which MC4C helped me push myself out of my comfort zone, which has massively supported my confidence.”
Lucy said: “I want to be an MC4C ambassador because I am living proof of the impact their support can have. Before MC4C, self-employment felt overwhelming and out of reach. Through their support, it became achievable, structured and empowering.
“I want to help young and aspiring entrepreneurs see what’s possible, just as I did. I want to share my journey honestly – the challenges, the learning and the wins – and encourage others to take those first steps into business with confidence.
“MC4C helped me believe in myself, and I want to help pass that belief on to others.
Phoebe Taylor, youth enterprise and micro business support officer, said: “I love being involved working with the ambassadors as I like being able to support them on the other side of their journey, talking about what they have achieved and their journeys so far after being with MC4C.
“It is lovely watching past participants grow in confidence to be able to support new ones starting the programme and share their experiences, top tips and knowledge.”
To find out more visit https://www.mc4c.co.uk/