Scott Heffernan recently showcased his tattoo business at a royal reception in London, which celebrated the diverse impact that youth charity The Prince’s Trust has had on young entrepreneurs during the last thirty six years.
Scott, who launched his business, Timeless Tattoos, after completing The Trust’s Enterprise programme, was presented to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at the Youth Can Do It event, and also had the opportunity to network with a host of high profile entrepreneurs and alumni of the charity.
Scott suffered from mental health issues and became mute after leaving secondary school. He couldn’t talk to anyone and refused to leave the house. When funding for his treatment was cut, he felt alone.
Scott decided to take part in The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme in 2014. He has also gone on to win the 2018 North West Prince’s Trust Enterprise Award, sponsored by Natwest, which recognises young people who have overcome barriers and achieved success in creating a sustainable business, or a community or social enterprise.
Last night’s event, hosted at Phillips in Mayfair, London, celebrated the achievements of young people like Scott who have been helped by The Trust’s Enterprise programme. His Royal Highness walked through a marketplace of pop-up stalls meeting young entrepreneurs who have received mentorship, practical guidance and, in some cases, financial support from the charity.
Talking about the event, Scott said: “It has been really inspiring to meet entrepreneurs who have built up such great and successful businesses, even exceeding their own goals in some cases.
“The help I received from The Trust really boosted my confidence. Through my business, I’ve managed to help myself and others, while also securing a future for my family. I’d urge anyone who’s at a crossroads in life to get in touch with The Trust because they’ll do all they can to help you find your passion and make the most of it.”
The event was also attended by a number of prominent entrepreneurs who were supported by The Trust, including Rob Law M.B.E., Founder of Trunki, Ozwald Boateng O.B.E., Founder of Ozwald Boateng, James Somerville, Vice President of Global Design, Coca Cola and Founder of design agency ATTIK, Michael Welch O.B.E., Founder of Blackcircles and Phoebe Gormley, Founder of Saville Row women’s tailor Gormley and Gamble.
The event also marked the 10th anniversary of The Trust’s Enterprise Fellowship, a network of leading entrepreneurs who are committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
Clare Crabb, North Regional Director at The Prince’s Trust, said: “It’s incredible to think that our Enterprise programme has assisted more than 88,000 young people across the UK to realise their dream of starting their own businesses over the last thirty six years. Many of the young people we have helped have overcome significant barriers in their lives to get to where they are now.
“At The Trust we help young people build their self-confidence, develop and support their ideas and access to funding to help launch and grow their businesses. We give young people access to a network like no other, incredible business mentors and dedicated staff – all of whom are committed to never giving up on young people who want to live, learn and earn more.”
