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Former Middlesbrough steelworker bounces back with sports coaching business

A former Middlesbrough steelworker, who lost his job as a result of the SSI UK collapse, has started up his own sport coaching business.

After securing funding through the SSI Task Force, 42 year old Andy Baker says he is ‘fulfilling a dream’ with the launch of Velocity Sports Coaching.

Over the last eight years, Andy has volunteered as a football coach at Nunthorpe Athletic and has always had a passionate for coaching.

Andy said: “I thought it would be great to make a career out of a hobby. I will be working in local schools to deliver coaching for children aged between 5- 11 and my wife Claire is planning to get involved to help grow the business.

“Applying for the SSI Task Force Business Advice Start Up Fund was brilliant, it was very easy and I felt very supported by my mentor who helped me to develop my business plan. From submitting the plan to receiving the grant it only took a week. I was amazed at how quickly it all worked. I’d certainly recommend the scheme to anyone it was first class.”

Amanda Skelton, Chair of the SSI Task Force, added: “It’s not unusual for someone to decide that they want a complete change of career after being made redundant, and I am pleased that Task Force funding has been able to support Andy to do something that he is passionate about. The funds are there to support both individuals and businesses, and I would encourage people to get in touch to see how we can help.”

Jonathan Armitage, Andy’s Business Adviser, added: “This fund has been amazing in its flexibility, it has been great to be able to work with and offer former SSI workers advice on starting their own business.

“The grant scheme which could provide a start-up grant of up to £10,000 to help make a business a real opportunity, has been invaluable in helping lots of people affected by the SSI closure work towards and actually start their own business.”

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