Success in the pipeline for Sheffield business woman

The responsibility of complete financial control may put most people off from starting up in business, but Naomi Engelkamp decided to set up her own plumbing company so that she could have her own independence, and take charge of her own finances.

 

Twenty-seven year old Naomi, who lives in Hunters Bar area, has worked in the plumbing and gas industry for nine years. As a fully qualified plumber with lots of experience, Naomi knew that she wanted to set up her own company, but needed to cement her business plans.

 

After spotting an advert in her local job centre, Naomi decided to approach Sheffield City Council's enterprise programme with her ideas.

 

Naomi said: “I found the team really friendly and easy to talk to.  Although my business ideas were very new and not fully developed, the team helped me to draw up a structured business plan, and gave me advice on the next steps to take towards setting up my own business.”

 

The team also helped Naomi secure funding to take a corgi registering course, and paid for her equipment to start up in business.  At the end of August 2008, several months after initially contacting the team, Naomi was able to begin trading under her new business – ‘Love to Plumb’.

 

Recently, Naomi has also secured a loan for £1,000, and a £500 grant from the Princes’ Trust, which she has used to buy a new work van. 

 

Reflecting on her experience so far, Naomi commented: “I really wanted to be independent, plan my own future and take charge of my finances, that’s why setting up on my own really appealed to me.  Despite the current downturn, I’m trying not to feel daunted by it all, and I’m just taking my business one step at a time – hopefully in the future I will be able to take on an apprentice who I will be able to develop and nurture!”