Mum-of-five Penny Palmer has always loved horses – but never in a million years did she think her dream would one day materialise and make her a living.
Unemployed for nine years, busy raising her children, setting a business was the last thing on 39-year-old Penny’s mind. Being unemployed meant that Penny has regular contact with her local Jobcentre, and it is here that the fairytale started to take form. During one consultation, Penny confided her dream to Jane Simpson, a New Deal for Lone Parents adviser.
“After nine years of caring for my five children, I thought it was time to do something for me,” says Penny. And Jane helped Penny do just that, by pointing her in the right direction.
“Jane was great. I honestly don’t think I’d have had the confidence to set up my own business without her. She was always at the end of the phone, offering support and encouragement,” Penny explains.
Jane put Penny on the New Deal for Lone Parents scheme, which is a government initiative run by Jobcentre Plus. New Deal provides help that is tailored to each individual’s needs.
In some cases people are eligible to test trade. Penny was able to do this for six months – which meant she could set up her business – Equine M.O.T – and still claim benefits. This enabled her to see whether her business was viable.
Penny was also referred to Nottinghamshire Business Venture (NBV) and through the New Entrepreneur Scholarships programme NBV helped build her business skills, which included giving her help and advice on drawing up a business plan.
Equine M.O.T was also eligible for ?1,500 financial support from NBV, which Penny used towards essential costs for her business – a computer, insurance and business cards.
“I believe I am the only equine therapist in the country, offering aromatherapy, manipulation and massage, as well as herbal remedies to treat horses,” she beams.
“Since I set up my own business in July I’ve treated more than 100 horses. One of the most unusual ones was a horse who refused to turn left.
“As soon as I started massaging the horse’s back I saw the problem. There was scarring tissue that meant he was physically unable to turn to the left. So I gave him a massage using aromatherapy oils – lavender for relaxation and black pepper for pain relief.”
And the mumpreneur from Hucknall, Nottingham, is full of praise for the help she received from her personal adviser at Jobcentre Plus.
“I love what I’m doing. I had my first pony at 12 and I’ve always been around horses. I can’t believe I’m making money doing something I enjoy. I would definitely encourage people to go to Jobcentre Plus.”
Penny is one of thousands of women who find a way back into work, overcoming childcare cost issues, lack of training, or even lack of confidence to start earning money to improve their family’s prospects. “This is an excellent example of how Jobcentre Plus can help people fulfil their dream,” says Jane.
“Penny has always been determined to do everything she could to pursue her dream. Her commitment has shone through and her business is really taking off.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about New Deal for Lone Parents, or arrange to see a personal adviser call 0800 868 868, or visit www.newdeal.gov.uk.
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