A Worcester jewellery designer is set for a sparkling future after polishing up her entrepreneurial skills. With the help of expert local advice from Remploy and Balancing Business, Julie Holden, 39, has fought her way back from serious ill health to launch her own business - Titania Trading; the new jewel in Worcester market's crown.
A high pressure insurance career contributed to Julie having a nervous breakdown at the end of 2007. Her hopes of returning to working life seemed bleak as she struggled with ongoing panic attacks, anxiety and depression.
Julie was in receipt of incapacity benefit for six months before spotting a Remploy leaflet in her local Jobcentre Plus led her to visit Remploy's branch at the Butts in Worcester. Remploy is the UK's leading provider of employment services for people with disabilities and health conditions and operates the Government's Pathways to Work programme in the county. Pathways to Work provides a range of services and advice to support people off incapacity benefit and into employment.
With encouragement from husband Lee, Julie nervously attended a work focussed interview with Remploy employment advisor Teresa Adams. She worked on building Julie's confidence and analysed her skills and abilities.
"Teresa was really helpful and obviously understood my nervousness," said Julie. "I was amazed at the level of support available and when I discussed having always wanted to set up my own business, Teresa believed in me and gave me access to all the expert advice I needed."
This expert advice came in the form of Remploy partner, Balancing Business. Working with Business Link in the West Midlands, Balancing Business gives professional, practical and individual business support services to entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, who wish to become self employed.
Anne Simper from Balancing Business provided advice and guidance on marketing and finance and helped Julie develop a business plan. Anne and Teresa now provide ongoing support to Julie as her business selling custom jewellery and holistic treatments and giving tarot, crystal ball and past life readings goes from strength to strength.
"I've made contact with suppliers in Peru, Tibet and America," Julie continues, "but by far the most rewarding aspect is when a customer goes ‘Wow' when they see one of my designs. It gives me real pride and a sense of purpose - something I lost while I was ill.
"Working for myself has given me my confidence back. I couldn't have done it without all the help I've had and my health and general outlook are really improving as a result."
Jobseekers receiving incapacity benefits and looking to start or return to work are invited to contact Remploy's Worcester branch at Virginia House, The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PA. Telephone: 0845 155 2638.