Prince’s Trust is the business for Ballymena man

A young Ballymena man has turned his back on unemployment with help from The Prince’s Trust’s Enterprise Programme.
Young Ballymena entrepreneur, David Orr who has turned his back on unemployment with help from The Princes Trust Enterprise Programme.Young Ballymena entrepreneur, David Orr who has turned his back on unemployment with help from The Princes Trust Enterprise Programme.
Young Ballymena entrepreneur, David Orr who has turned his back on unemployment with help from The Princes Trust Enterprise Programme.

David Orr (26) was out of work for a number of months prior to setting up his business with support from The Trust.

In 2007, after leaving school, David didn’t know what direction to take his life.

He completed The Prince’s Trust ‘Get Into Construction’ Programme and successfully secured a job in local construction firm Pattons but was made redundant in 2012.

Frustrated at not being able to find employment, David contacted The Prince’s Trust again after deciding to look into setting up his own business.

He completed the Trust’s four day Exploring Enterprise Course, receiving a small grant and also a business mentor which all helped him to create ‘Renaissance Interiors’.

David’s company concentrates on refurbishing furniture through customised spray painting and the use of stencils.

Setting up and running his own business has been a challenge but it has also been rewarding giving him a real sense of achievement and David would recommend any young person considering self-employment to make contact with the Prince’s Trust.

He says: “Turning my passion for refurbishing furniture into a career has been a lifelong goal and I would definitely recommend it.

“Without the help of the Prince’s Trust, I wouldn’t be where I am today...the ongoing support has helped me turn my idea into a fully trading business. Just pick up the phone and call them.”

If you are interested in finding out more about The Prince’s Trust and how it could help you, then why not go along to the Information Session which is being held by The Trust at Ballymena Business Centre on May 14 at 11am followed by the four-day Explore Enterprise Course commencing on May 19 from 10am-4pm.

In the meantime, you can also contact Bronagh McCulla on 90895000 for more details about the Enterprise Programme which can help you explore and test any business idea you may have.

The programme was set up to support unemployed young people aged 18-30 to work out if their business ideas are viable and decide whether self-employment is right for them.