David battles back from redundancy to launch new business

David Orr has launched Renaissance Interiors after taking part in the Trust’s Enterprise Programme.

The Enterprise programme offers support and funding to help young people explore and test their business ideas, write plans and start their own businesses or achieve other goals in education, training, work or volunteering.

David Orr (26) was made redundant and was unemployed for a number of months prior to setting up his business.

He started up his business working out of a shed and now, just over one year later, he is just about to take on new premises at Raceview Mill in Ballymena.

After leaving school in 2007, David didn’t know what direction to take his life in and completed The Prince’s Trust Get into Construction, successfully securing a job in Pattons.

He loved working there and gained a lot of new skills. However in 2012 his world came crumbling down when he was made redundant.

David felt frustrated at not being unable to find employment and decided to take his destiny into his own hands.

He contacted The Prince’s Trust again and completed the Enterprise Programme. He completed the four day Enterprise Course, received a small grant and also a business mentor.

David said: “Turning my passion for refurbishing furniture into a career has been a lifelong goal and I would definitely recommend it.

“Without the help of the Prince’s Trust, I wouldn’t be where I am today; the ongoing support has helped me turned my business idea into a fully trading business, just pick up the phone and call them.”

Renaissance Interiors specialises in a range of professional services including furniture and kitchen spray painting and restoration.

* An information session is being held by The Prince’s Trust at Ballymena Business Centre, 51-53 Church Street, Ballymena on Wednesday, September9, from 11am to 12 noon, which will be followed by a four-day Explore Enterprise Course commencing on Monday, September 14 to Thursday, September 17, 10am to 4pm.

For your chance to benefit from the Explore Enterprise Programme please contact [email protected]