Business leaders backing young entrepreneurs by promoting benefits of mentoring

Julie Buffey of Roisin Dubh vintage shop with Brooke Peacham, owner of The Cutie Paws.

Hull City Council's Youth Enterprise Team is looking to add to its network of business mentors to help young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 29 who are current or former participants of its Making Changes for Careers programme (MC4C).

Current mentors are sharing positive messages about their experience, including the two-way learning process which is bringing benefits for all concerned.

In addition the nationwide Micro Biz Alliance has endorsed the mentoring project which is aiming to recruit people who can offer business and personal mentorship.

Ian Cass, Chair of the Micro Biz Alliance, said: “Business owners and in particular young start-ups value the expertise and experience they gain from having a mentor as part of their start-up phase and beyond.”

Julie Buffey, who set up the Roisin Dubh vintage shop in Hepworth’s Arcade, Hull, in 2009, has been passing her experience to Brooke Peacham owner of The Cutie Paws dog clothing and accessories stall in Trinity Market.

Julie said: “Brooke is a very creative individual and confident in the running of her business. My support has been to listen and sign post to pathways I have found beneficial, such as selling online and through various networks.

“It’s very challenging in the current economic climate but Brooke remains very positive. I’m proud of how well she’s doing and as a mentor this is the greatest reward.”

Brooke added: “Julie has been really helpful. She is always encouraging and positive and happy to help me. I really value her advice as she has a lot of experience.”

Helen Gill, owner of HelloU Marketing, highlighted her work with Harrison McLauchlin, whose business HKMA Media is trading as EZ-Biz.

Helen said: “Mentoring is one of the most fulfilling ways to give back, and the impact you can have on someone’s journey is huge. You’ll also grow and learn alongside your mentee, making it a truly enriching experience.”

Rob Daysley, Founder of Designs Signage Solutions in Hull, said he aims to share practical knowledge, offer encouragement, and help young people navigate the ups and downs of their entrepreneurial journey.

He said: “It’s more than just giving advice – it’s about building meaningful relationships, fostering growth, and being part of a community that empowers young people to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact".

“Mentoring young entrepreneurs at MC4C has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Supporting passionate and driven individuals as they develop their ideas and grow in confidence is both inspiring and fulfilling.”

Glenn Smurthwaite, Managing Director of PBS Construction, is new to mentoring and sees parallels with his company’s training programmes.

He said: “I offer to meet up with participants in person or talk over the phone. I want to help them progress in the correct way with the right quality of work, honesty and have integrity.

“It’s about passing on knowledge to others. Everyone has to start somewhere and it’s good to see younger people progress. As a company, this is the ethos we create with apprentices too. It’s a privilege to be asked to be a mentor.”

Ian said the Micro Biz Alliance first became aware of Hull City Council's commitment to offering a mentoring service to young entrepreneurs during Covid when, through working with the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, the Council recruited nearly 100 mentors to support the hundreds of young entrepreneurs who were part of the #ExcludedUK community in Hull.

He said: “If you're a current or past business owner or just want to give general support to young people on their business journey I’d urge you to get in touch with MC4C as you can make a huge change to young entrepreneurs starting out."

Amanda Brockwell, Youth Enterprise and Micro Business Advisor at MC4C, is the key contact for potential mentors.

She said: “We have two levels of mentoring which business people can apply to assist with, and it doesn’t have to involve committing a lot of time. A business or wellbeing mentor gives ongoing support over the phone, via Teams or in person on a weekly check-in basis. It might be a quick half an hour chat and check-ins for five minutes, or you may wish to meet monthly for a cuppa in a public place.

“Being an entrepreneur can be very lonely so wellbeing support is also vital for some, whilst others will only require a business mentor. Giving back and helping others on their journey is extremely rewarding.”

To find out more about becoming a mentor contact amanda.brockwell@hullcc.gov.uk