LDC hosts marketplace of businesses supported by The Prince’s Trust

At the end of June, LDC hosted a marketplace of businesses supported by The Prince’s Trust at St George’s Park in Burton on Trent. The marketplace formed part of LDC’s all employee Away Day, which included business updates, team building, networking and, being at the home of the England national football teams’ training ground, a bit of friendly football too!

LDC first partnered with The Prince’s Trust in 2019 to support the Enterprise Programme, helping young entrepreneurs by providing them with confidence, skills and funding. Through our partnership and volunteering support from LDC employees, we have helped more than 1,600 young people to start their own businesses.

Our recent away day provided the perfect moment for our employees to meet more of the young people who have successfully set up businesses with the support of The Prince’s Trust and LDC. The entrepreneurs were able to sell plenty of products and tell their stories about the challenges they had faced and how they have set up and grown their exciting businesses. These were:

• Laura and her business Careaux, a luxury ethical womenswear brand. Laura is one of 354 patients in Britain waiting for a lung transplant. Along with her sister Rachel, she launched Careaux after completing the Enterprise Programme.
• Gina and her sustainable handwoven textile business Woven Memories. Gina completed the Enterprise Programme and secured a grant to start prototyping her products and expanding her social media presence.
• Jane Beaumont creates large bespoke interior paintings on both canvas and wood. She was provided a specialist mentor to support her through the Enterprise Programme.
• Rebecca had a business idea, and with The Prince’s Trust’s help, turned that idea into a successful sustainable dog accessories business Two Dogs & Co, which has just opened its first high street store in Wells, Somerset.
• Nyomi set up Sanaa Gift Store where she designs and sells stationery items that reflect black culture.
• Kyle approached The Prince’s Trust when he was 18, having suffered from severe acne, and set up his skin care business Frank’s Remedies after completing the Enterprise Programme.

The entrepreneurs were pleased to sell so many products and make connections with LDC employees. Kyle of Frank’s Remedies even sold out of all the products he brought along on the day.

Reflecting on The Prince’s Trust Marketplace, Gina Nadal of Woven Memories said: “The day went brilliant. It was such a nice day. It was lovely to meet other Price’s Trust colleagues and share experiences.”

Nyomi Smith of Sanna Giftshop added: “Thank you for the opportunity to come along to the event. Everyone at LDC was really friendly.”

We are already looking forward to our next opportunity to showcase entrepreneurs from The Prince’s Trust!

Find out more about our partnership with The Prince’s Trust here.