LDC partnered with The King’s Trust in 2019 and through our support of the charity’s Enterprise programme, we’ve so far been able to help more than 4,400 young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to start, sustain and grow their own business.

This has included providing mentorship, funding and training as they embark on their business journeys.

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4,418 young entrepreneurs supported
2,000+ start-up grants funded by LDC
£1.65m in grant funding provided by LDC

Expanding the Enterprise Programme

In 2024, we marked the fifth anniversary of our partnership with The King’s Trust by launching Business Advance to help young entrepreneurs sustain and grow their businesses.

The King’s Trust and LDC co-designed and developed Business Advance, an extension of the Enterprise programme. It’s intended to help young entrepreneurs as they navigate their first three years of trading, providing access to a designated mentor, structured business reviews to track progress against targets and ambition, workshops and networking opportunities.

Following a successful pilot in the Midlands, with more than 100 young people taking part, and 90% confirming it helped to increase their business confidence, Business Advance was rolled-out across the UK and is available to young entrepreneurs up and down the country.

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Business Advance wouldn’t have been possible without the support and expertise of LDC. They are one of our biggest supporters at The King’s Trust and together we’re excited to help more young entrepreneurs to maximise the potential of their businesses.” 

Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive
The King’s Trust

Empowering Youth Ambition

Download our Empowering Youth Ambition brochure to find out more how our partnership with The King’s Trust is supporting young entrepreneurs across the UK.

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Empowering Youth Ambition

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Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

To support the launch of Business Advance, we spoke to LDC employees and business leaders in our network and asked them to share their top tips for young entrepreneurs growing a business. From finding your passion to being patient and building a support network, they share tangible and practical advice for budding entrepreneurs.

WATCH THE VIDEO

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Championing Youth Ambition

As part of The LDC Top 50 – which celebrates the nation’s most ambitious entrepreneurs – we introduced The Youth Ambition Award, to recognise the achievements of a standout young entrepreneur from The King’s Trust Enterprise programme. Brandon Hulcoop of All Things Dotty won the award in 2024.

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Hands on Support from the LDC Team

In 2023, we were named The King’s Trust’ ‘Partner of the Year’ something our employees are incredibly proud of.

Our partnership with The King’s Trust is core to many company-wide initiatives and our staff continue to enjoy getting involved in a range of activities across the country.

More than 20 of our employees have trained to become one-to-one business mentors, we provide young entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and promote their businesses and products at a variety of LDC events and we have commissioned and bought the work of a number of young artists to display in our network of offices across the UK.

We also take part in The King’s Trust’s Brilliant Breakfast campaign, where we host an event raising funds to support disadvantaged young women to live, learn and earn.

Princes Trust ambassador
Princes Trust ambassador
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At LDC, we have more than 40 years of experience in helping management teams across the UK to drive growth and realise their ambitions, and our partnership with The King’s Trust is an important part of extending that commitment to young entrepreneurs from different backgrounds.”

Toby Rougier, Chief Executive
LDC

Young Entrepreneur Stories

Networking opportunities to boost Frank’s Remedies

Kyle Frank set up his vegan skincare brand, Frank’s Remedies, with the support of the Enterprise programme in 2020.

He wanted to help others who had suffered with skin conditions and with the support of The King’s Trust, has established a successful and growing business.

Frank’s Remedies is now in its fourth year of trading, with retail listings in high street stores such as Superdrug and WHSmith’s, and is forecasting a turnover of £650,000 in 2025.

Highlighting Black identity in an inspiring way

In 2022, Nyomi launched her gift and stationary business, Sanaa Giftshop with support from The King’s Trust and its Enterprise programme.

Nyomi’s venture was inspired by a gap she saw in the market – products that highlight the Black identity in a new and inspiring way for all to enjoy.

Nyomi sells her products online, in selected stores across the UK and at craft markets. Nyomi said: “I’m now at a point in my business where I’d like to expand in terms of product range and outlets. Sustaining the business and increasing my customer base is vital.”

Olivia’s Entrepreneurial Journey

In 2019, Olivia launched her multi award-winning business, Lotus Maternity, which provides postnatal education, support and guidance to mothers and families.

Olivia’s business also offers postnatal programmes for organisations to support colleagues, managers and new parents returning to work following parental leave.

Olivia says, “The King’s Trust has been with me throughout my entrepreneurial journey with Lotus Maternity.”

Helping Rochelle celebrate her culture

Rochelle Ayele started working for herself when the hospitality sector closed during the height of the pandemic. With the support of LDC and The King’s Trust Enterprise Programme, she turned her personal passion into a profitable business.

Rochelle went on to launch her self-titled art business – her award-winning artwork celebrates the joy of her culture.

“The King’s Trust helped me to understand so many elements of business that I wouldn’t have known if I were starting out alone.”
Rochelle Ayele

Backing Rebecca’s canine ambition

Rebecca Wilshere set up Two Dogs & Co with the support of the Enterprise programme.

Previously Rebecca had struggled with anxiety and depression but her two dogs, Charlie and Eli, helped her through this period and she decided to explore setting up a company to follow her canine passion.

With the help of The King’s Trust, Rebecca has turned her idea into a successful sustainable dog accessories business which has just opened its first high street store in Wells, Somerset.

Mentorship powers Ssuccess

Kwame Boateng, Walsall, launched his alcohol-free body fragrance brand, Ingrained Oil, with the support of the Enterprise programme in 2022. He wanted everyone to have the pleasure of scents without experiencing the irritation that some people get from conventional perfumes.

He said: “Before I embarked on my journey with Ingrained Oil, I felt like I had no hope because, growing up, my talent didn’t fall into your typical categories: education, sports, arts, music, or performing arts.

“With the support of The King’s Trust’s Enterprise programme, I have been given a mentor, who is helping me to gain the confidence to develop my business on every level, from marketing to business planning.”

Helping to create medical heroes

Celie Brayson, a part-time paramedic from Leicestershire, founded Mini Healthcare Heroes to teach young children first aid through interactive books.

She launched her business with the support of The King’s Trust’s Enterprise programme, and after completing Business Advance now plans to expand her collection and launch first aid kits and educational toys.

“The King’s Trust helped me turn an idea into reality and I wouldn’t have been able to grow Mini Healthcare Heroes without the support of Business Advance. The support of my mentor has given me confidence and helped me think about the future of my business.”