New Youth Enterprise Ambassadors chosen

Luke Garner, founder of John Henry – Pen Name, is a former Making Changes for Careers programme (MC4C) participant who has been appointed as an Enterprise Skills Ambassador.

Ashleigh Ward (Ward Cosmetics and Ward Wax Co), Markus Tipler (Rootz ov Uz) and Dylan Whiting (LLM Services) have been appointed to promote the expanded MC4C programme which offers enterprise skills training and business support services to young people, aged 29 and under.

They will also advise on future activities and programmes, visit schools and colleges to inspire others and represent the views of young entrepreneurs to the council's Future You programme.

As part of their remit, the quartet will work with Hull's Youth Enterprise Champions Becca McCoid (The Personalised Gray Rose) and Alex Costin (Alex Costin Photography) to promote opportunities for young people to learn about enterprising skills and develop business ideas, as well as promoting entrepreneurship and enterprise skills in Hull schools.

The chosen four have all engaged with MC4C and three have successfully progressed into self-employment with the support of Hull City Council and Test Market Grants from JCYEB, whilst Luke has also had his first book - Big 13 Enterprise Skills - published to promote enterprise skills in primary schools.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration said:

“It is brilliant that four young people have been selected to promote the council’s commitment to enterprise skills and young entrepreneurs.

“I have no doubt they will be great ambassadors, not only for youth enterprise, but for the city, so thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment.

“You are all a great credit to the city and part of our commitment to community wealth being, as you are integral to our current and future economic success”.

Ashleigh, founder of Ward Cosmetics and Ward Wax Co said:

“I’m honoured to be asked to be a youth enterprise ambassador for Hull. I hope to provide that little bit of support to other young people like me to help to realise their dreams. I was pleased to receive a test market grant JCYEB to help start me up and access to a wide range of advice and support from a very supportive team as they were always there for me. I am looking forward to being able to outline my business journey to aspiring young entrepreneurs.”

Dylan, founder of LLM Services said:

"I believe there is so much potential out there in our communities and MC4C certainly makes your business aspirations a reality. I know without the help and guidance from Hull City Council's MC4C programme, I would not be running my own business. I lacked the confidence and did not believe it was even possible. I had no business skills but did have the desire to learn.”

Markus, founder of Rootz ov Uz said:

"I want to make young people in schools and colleges aware of the council's MC4C programme so they can start their own business like I am. Starting a business by yourself can be very daunting and sometimes confusing. With MC4C I feel like I had help whenever I needed it, which gave me confidence and self-belief in what I was doing. I would advise any aspiring young entrepreneur to use their services and I am looking forward to speaking to young people about the joys of being your own boss.”

Luke Garner, founder of John Henry – Pen Name said:

“The MC4C programme gave me great and helpful advice on how to start and run a successful business with the help of the Big 13. They're a wonderful team and an even more wonderful group of friends. What I want to do is support and work with young people and neuro-diverse kids to help them to reach their goals and full potential using my illustrations and stories.”