I started my first business at 17. Back in the 80's there was no internet, no support and I didn't have a network of friends or family that could help. Over the next 40 years I have started many more enterprises from a courier company to an in-flight catering business.As I gained experience I would willingly share it with others. Sometimes people just want to bounce ideas around with someone that has experience and knowledge that leave you motivated and better informed. Unfortunately not everyone has that important network so I decided to volunteer for The Prince's Trust.Having someone believe in your idea and you as an individual is invaluable, especially when no one else does. One of my first Prince's Trust mentees would give me a dozen reasons to pack it all in and I would give them a dozen to keep going. They eventually went on to win the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards. I volunteered for the Trust for over a decade not just as an advisor but the interim Chair of the awards panel.I am a qualified business advisor, an accomplished business mentor and an accredited business coach. But most of all, I have decades of experience supporting start-ups. My personalised approach to support gives clients the confidence to implement ideas with the skills and resources to hand. My entrepreneurial mindset helps them identify a wider audience for their products or services.In my last role I was the lead for Enterprise & Innovation within a housing association. I helped to start and support over 300 businesses and social enterprises across the North-West of England. I ensured start-ups had access to funding, support and premises.As the founder of Squosh Compacting Company I can continue to enable more individuals to start-up in business with nationwide franchise opportunities. To find out more feel free to drop me a line