Cumbria Business Growth Hub has been delivering the Help into Mentoring Programme since the start of April 2024.
The programme has been designed to support 50 individuals and young businesses in the Copeland area by offering 20hrs of one to one mentor support, free training and resources.
We’re delighted to showcase two people we’ve been supporting through mentors Rachel Gaw and Dave Porthouse, two very different businesses with different needs.
Joe Shevelan – Forging a Future in Artisan Craftsmanship
Joe is an early-career blacksmith and recent graduate of Hertfordshire College, now living and working from a home-based workshop. Joe joined the Help into Mentoring programme delivered by Cumbria Business Growth Hub with a clear passion for traditional craftsmanship and a desire to build a meaningful and sustainable career in artisan blacksmithing.
At the start of the mentoring relationship, Joe's primary goal was to professionalise his practice, expand his network, and gain commercial traction without losing sight of the cultural and educational value of his work.
Goals and Aspirations
Joe’s aspirations were ambitious and multifaceted:
• develop a community-oriented blacksmithing practice
• establish public engagement opportunities through events and workshops
• collaborate with heritage and arts organisations
• grow his business into a formal social enterprise
Through regular mentoring sessions, Rachel supported Joe in articulating these goals into a strategic plan, balancing his creative practice with entrepreneurial development.
“For the best part of the year, I've been working with Rachel Gaw to develop my business as an artist Blacksmith based in Cumbria. As part of the Help into Mentoring programme, I've worked on all areas of my business, from product development and project management to grant application and contract negotiation. The foundation of business skills that I've built with my mentor now support me in my day-to-day practice, and as I continue to grow my business and tackle larger challenges, I'll rely on what I've learned to guide the decisions I make and to shape the future of Forged At Home Ltd.”
Teresa is 26 years old and has a 17 month old daughter. When she left school, Teresa studied Childcare at College before going on to gain a degree from the University of Cumbria in Working with Children, Young People and Families.
A passion for the beauty industry was always bubbling away under the surface, Teresa has always done hair and make-up for friends and family on weekends, for weddings and other occasions.
On maternity leave from her job at a nursery, it became clear to Teresa over time that she didn’t want to return to the nursery which would mean leaving her daughter and missing a number of key milestones. The first step to starting her own business saw Teresa offering hair styling and make-up on weekends again, this started to become very popular. After talking to her partner and family, Teresa decided to train in other aspects of beauty while still on maternity leave.
Through the Employability Fund we were able to support Teresa with the cost of gel nails, biab nails and gel extension nails with Glitterbells.
“Never give up, believe in yourself and do want you want to do! It can and will work if you want it too!”
This programme ends on 31st March 2026 and we have a few places still remaining for businesses in their first 2 years of training. Anyone interested in taking a place needs to contact Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Support – lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk
