28-year-old Lizzy from Greenford, West London, was made redundant from her job at a production company in November 2010. The company had struggled to cope during the recession, and Lizzy found herself unemployed at a time when competition for jobs was fierce.
“It was terrible,” says Lizzy. “I had no job, so I felt as though I had no reason to get up in the morning. I felt really down, totally isolated and cut off from everyone.”
Knowing how difficult it would be to find a job during the recession, Lizzy thought about setting up her own business. However, being made redundant had knocked her self-esteem and she didn’t know where to start, until she found out about The Prince’s Trust. She decided to join the Enterprise programme, which helps unemployed young people to set up in business.
Lizzy says: The course also gave me the motivation to set about changing my life. I bought a new A4 pad and filled it with notes in just four days!
With help from The Trust, Lizzy was able to set Ignition – an alternative entertainment company – in April 2012.
Fire dancing and stilt walking is the main part of the business, as well as fire eating and body burning. She has two main client groups – corporate events, which include awards ceremonies and dinners and private events, such as birthdays and weddings.
Lizzy received financial support from The Trust in the form of a £1,800 loan, which helped her to purchase the equipment and insurance needed to start her business. She also receives help from a mentor, which she finds extremely beneficial: “He is fantastic. He has experience of running an online business – a vintage wine website. We meet twice a month to discuss marketing and anything else I’m struggling with. Starting a business can be lonely and it’s invaluable to have someone to bounce ideas off.”
Playford says; “I would definitely encourage anyone who is thinking about starting their own business to seek support from The Prince’s Trust without a second thought.”
The Prince’s Trust gave me the tools to change my life. I have progressed from feeling isolated and depressed to feeling very happy again. If you’re stuck in a rut, The Prince’s Trust can help you turn it around.
Lizzy is currently continuing to build up her business and promotional materials in addition to improving her website and performing at gigs across the capital.
She adds: “I hope that within the next five years, Ignition will be the go-to alternative entertainment company in London. I’m so happy with the changes in my life and how I feel about myself. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what the future holds for Ignition.”
