Tattooist makes his mark on the Steel City

 

Following 13 years of unemployment, a chance conversation with an aunt led to Shire Green-based tattoo artist, Brett Somerset, making the first moves towards setting up his own business. Brett now starts 2009 as his own boss ready to start taking on his own staff.

 

Last year, Brett’s aunt suggested he get in touch with the BiG: Make it Your Business team to see if he could make his dream of running his own tattoo parlour a reality. After making the call, things moved quite quickly for Brett as he was given help and support to put a business plan together, find premises and market his new venture.

 

Commenting on his experience of setting up Ink & Steel over the past 12 months, Brett said: “After I made the initial call to BiG, I was offered help with things that had always seemed quite daunting such as compiling a business plan and getting access to the right expertise. Working with the team has helped me to build my own confidence.

 

“I was able to secure access to finance through the BiG Microloan scheme which I have used to purchase tattoo equipment and I was even given help with my first months rent. I knew if I could get through the quietest part of the year over the Christmas months then the business should be able to survive anything. I felt that someone from the BiG team was always there when I needed advice or guidance. So far, it is going really well and I have also been able to employ a full time member of staff.”

 

To book an appointment at Ink & Steel, visit the parlour on Hartleybrook Road, Shire Green, or contact Brett Somerset on 07521271758.