Partner Article

Vince goes up the garden path

A CORUS steel worker is moving on from a career spanning a quarter of a century and taking the leap into self-employment.

Vince Ransome celebrated 25 years of service at the Beam Mill in Lackenby on 1st April but will work his final shift next month before setting up his own business – Cleveland Home and Garden Maintenance.

Mr Ransome, 45, who lives in Dormanstown, Redcar, is one of the first people to benefit from the £600,000 Regeneration Fund, recently announced by UK Steel Enterprise - the Corus subsidiary that helps the regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry.

It is part of an £8.3m package of support put into place following the mothballing of Teesside Cast Products. “I went to an advice session at UK Steel Enterprise and following my application I’ve been awarded a £2,500 grant and a £5,000 loan to set up the new business,” Mr Ransome said.

“I’ve also been given a huge amount of advice - from whether to be a sole trader or a limited company to dealing with HM Revenue & Customs and the various tax issues.

“I’m putting the money towards a van and tools and even though I’m still working at Beam Mill until May I have already started doing jobs after my daily shift finishes to get things going,” he added.

The Regeneration Fund is designed specifically for start-up and fledgling businesses who need a smaller amount of finance than UK Steel Enterprise’s usual minimum loan and are struggling to find funding elsewhere.

“We are delighted that Vince is taking advantage at such an early stage of the funding that is available and we hope many more will follow,” said Nick Johnson, UK Steel Enterprise Regional Executive.

“It is particularly impressive that he has already started this new business while continuing to work full time at the rolling mill.”

In addition to being an experienced painter, decorator and gardener, Vince recently completed a City & Guilds in plastering and is about to embark on a basic plumbing and tiling course.

“Once I had made the decision to start this business I realised I had to go for it and do everything I could to make it succeed.

“I’m willing to do anything around the home and in the garden - no job is too small - and I’m very grateful to UK Steel Enterprise for setting me on my way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .