FSB Enterprise Award Winner Wales

A DISILLUSIONED young woman from Bridgend scooped the FSB Enterprise Award in the Welsh Prince's Trust Celebrate Success Awards.

Emma Staple, 25, struggled to find work after graduating from university due to high unemployment levels in the area and a lack of opportunities.

However, after approaching the Prince's Trust with a sound business plan, she was given the money and mentoring needed to start her business, Uniform2Go.
She hasn't looked back since.

Emma (centre) was presented with her award by FSB Swansea Bay branch secretary Mike Jones (left) and BBC Wales' Sian Lloyd (right) at the star-studded awards ceremony, also attended by Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, Scrapheap Challenge presenter Lisa Rogers and Cardiff FC captain Mark Hudson.

Inspiration

John Wright, National Chairman of the FSB said: "Emma has proved that it is possible to succeed in business against all the odds. She is an inspiration to us all. We wish Emma every success for the future and congratulate her on this award." Emma was also handed a free 12-month membership of the FSB as part of her prize.

Start Up

With banks not taking Emma seriously and being reluctant to lend money, she turned to The Prince's Trust for help.
The Trust was able to offer Emma a low interest loan to start her firm, which supplies high-quality school uniforms in the local area. The money Emma received from The Trust enabled her to purchase the machinery she needed to meet the demand the business was receiving.

Best Year

Emma now employs one full-time member of staff as well as a part-time member of staff. Her motivation has increased dramatically. She now hopes to expand the business to other clients such as sports clubs, with the target of gaining 20 new clients per month.   
Emma said: "I'm overwhelmed to have won this award, especially as the other two finalists in this category had such strong business ideas. I've had the best year starting up my own business and tonight is the icing on the cake. Thank you so much to the Prince's Trust for making it all possible."