Thursday, July 18, 2013

News: Rotherham tattoo artist looking for something more permanent

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An enterprising Rotherham tattoo artist is being so successful in attracting new customers that she expects to open her studio full time in the near future.

Helene Mott from Dinnington started trading in March with the backing of a £500 grant from UK Steel Enterprise's Kickstart Fund. She used it to help buy equipment and pay the necessary insurance to help her open her new studio, which is a converted room at her home.

Applicants to the Kickstart Fund can get support from Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RIDO) and Rotherham Youth Enterprise to help them with business planning and mentoring through the early stages. UK Steel Enterprise has helped over 200 people start a business in Rotherham since 2009.

Former RCAT student, Helene, said: "Without the Kickstart funding I would still be using the equipment I had while doing my training, which was not really good enough for a professional set up. Having the right equipment has put me on a professional footing. I want to offer clients unique tattoos whenever possible, something individual and special to them and not necessarily straight from flash sheets or copycat internet images; so having the finest needles and tattoo machines really helps.

"I've always been interested in art and wanted to set up as a tattoo artist. I did my training and although I'm still working part-time I really believe it won't be long before I open the studio full time as I’m seeing more and more repeat business and new customers as people get to know about me."

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to start-up businesses to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to companies in South Yorkshire and other areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

Keith Williams, regional manager for UK Steel Enterprise says Helene proves the point that it's possible to turn an interest into a prospering business: "Helene has a real passion for her work, which is essential in business. It's great to see young people like Helene setting up new businesses and we are keen to support others. We have just announced that further funding is available to help even more people like Helene and look forward to watching her business grow in the coming years."

Jackie Frost, chief executive of Rotherham Youth Enterprise, added: "Working with Helene to produce a business plan for the grant application it became clear that she has the right kind of qualifications and experience to make a real go of self-employment. We hope to support Helene over the next couple of years as she works to establish the business."

Simon Hamilton has recently been appointed managing director of UK Steel Enterprise, replacing Stuart Green who is retiring after many years with the company.

UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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