Posted on: Friday 8 January 2021
A Cwmbran resident is putting her 'best foot forward' as she steps into 2021 with the launch of her mobile foot health business Golden Mobile Foot Care Cwmbran.
Vannessa, who had always worked in accountancy, was made redundant a few months in to 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Faced with uncertainty about her future, Vannessa was forced to consider other possible alternative career paths, whilst always having an ambition to become a self-employed foot health practitioner.
After receiving employment support via the Welsh Government funded Communities for Work + project and financial support through Building resilience projects throughout 2020, Vannessa was able to complete her studies and became a fully qualified foot health practitioner.
In addition, Business Wales and the New Enterprise Allowance scheme (NEA) assisted Vanessa, where she received support to access information, grants and assistance to complete a business plan.
Additional funding was offered from C4W+ to provide the business with an array of marketing material and the essential equipment that enabled Vanessa to hit the ground running.
Vannessa said: 'I would like to thank the Communities for Work + project for the support and the help that they have given me in starting my business. I had already started studying toward my qualification as a foot health practitioner in March, before COVID had impacted our lives.
Being made redundant at the start of the pandemic was not only a blow personally but it also meant that I was not in a position to fund the rest of my studies. Communities for Work + funding helped me to complete my studies and buy essential equipment needed to help me get started.
Every step of the way their help, support and encouragement has helped to give me the drive and determination to succeed. After a difficult year I am now looking forward to what the future has in store. Thanks to Lisa, Richard, Katie and Mel.'
Executive Member for Executive Member for Children, Families & Communities, Councillor Fiona Cross said: 'It’s fantastic to hear of the start-up of another business in Torfaen. With the right support and guidance there are still opportunities to develop a business idea and realise your dreams during these difficult times.
I am extremely proud of the effective and ongoing support that the Communities For Work Plus Programme has provided. There is a significant range of support available through the council for all aspects of employment such as mentoring, training and funding. I would urge anyone in Torfaen who is interested in self-employment or securing employment to get in touch with the CFW+ team.'
Golden Mobile Foot Care Cwmbran is a friendly and affordable service, fully trained, insured and COVID secure. Vannessa is currently taking booking for 2021 so why not start the New Year with a “spring in your step” too.
Looking to start your own business? Please visit http://cfwplustorfaen.co.uk/ or call Communities For Work+ on 01495 742131 / 01633 648312.