SSI Support Fund helps Carl Morgan make his dream a reality
It is fair to say that Thornaby man Carl Morgan, like many other ex SSI employees, has had a turbulent year. He has gone from an employed position with SSI then unemployed overnight, then to running his own business in a few months.
Carl launched ‘Carl Morgan Plumbing and Heating Services’ (07921829008) in February 2016 and he offers all Plumbing and Heating Services across Teesside.
Carl from Thornaby had 10 years’ experience as a Plumber but had never run his own business before so understandably, he felt apprehensive about it. He went to Five Lamps for some advice on starting his own business and met with Business Advisor Ian Garforth who helped Carl by providing one to one guidance and advice throughout the process on what preparation and research needed to be done and how to do it.
Carl was placed on the New Enterprise Allowance programme which is £1270 for people on JSA, Lone Parent income support or ESA who are looking to become self-employed. Ian also informed Carl about the Business Start-up Grant from the SSI Support Fund to help with start-up costs.
Five Lamps Business Advisor; Ian Garforth said
“Carl has been a pleasure to work with. Setting up a business is a big responsibility but Carl’s motivation and experience enabled him to research the market, find customers and organise everything else within 3 months. The way SSI employment came to an end must have been a big shock to all involved, but Carl has concentrated what needed to be done to pick himself straight back up and I admire him for that. With that level of determination and resilience and being so proactive, I’m confident that Carl will succeed with his business, and we at Five Lamps wish him all the best. Five Lamps are proud to be able to play a part in helping ex SSI employees and others start their own businesses and access financial help.”
Carl said of the experience
“Ian Garforth and the team at Five Lamps were a huge help in getting my business from an idea to reality with help and support in securing the government NEA (new enterprise allowance) support as well as the ex SSI employees grant. Ian helped me write a solid business plan and give me an insight into business advertising and planning.”
The New Enterprise Allowance is a DWP contract for people on Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or lone parent income support.