THREE entrepreneurs from Torfaen have launched their own businesses this month, with help from the council.

The Handy Man, Celebrate with Wendy, and bridal store Once Upon a Dress were all supported by a project designed to help residents in Communities First areas to develop their business ideas, in conjunction with Torfaen council.

Jason Winmill, 44, of Fairwater, who was a full-time dad for 10 years, said he found it difficult to get back into work and lacked the funding and knowledge to get his business idea off the ground.

Mr Winmill, whose business will offer repairs and maintenance services to the Torfaen area, said: “I was struggling financially as a single parent and contacted the council for support,” whose business will offer repairs and maintenance services to the Torfaen area.

“As well as helping my with my business plan they supplied all my leaflets and business cards, and have helped me access a loan from the Torfaen Credit Union that will allow me to buy equipment and do some additional training to further my skills.”

Former care worker Wendy Williams, 59, also of Fairwater, was encouraged to set up Celebrate with Wendy by her husband, creating celebratory bouquets and flower displays for special occasions.

She said: “I was making wreaths and flower arrangements and selling them locally via word of mouth. The support I have received has allowed me to reach a wider audience, and I am now planning to trial a stall in Pontypool Indoor Market.”

Once Upon a Dress is a wedding shop set up by Vicky Simons in Blaendare Road, Pontypool, which sells new and once worn attire.

Richard Murphy from Communities First Torfaen said: “Communities First areas are recognised as some of the most deprived communities in the country, with high levels of unemployment.

“There are many people in these communities who have a huge range of valuable skills and expertise, but don’t have the know how to get out there and start their own business, and we aim to support these people.

“With the additional support from the local business community through Torfaen Effect we can offer them a full package of business support, and I would urge anyone who has an idea for a business to get in touch for an informal discussion to see how we may be able to help.”

Torfaen Effect is sponsored by Welsh Government, Torfaen council and Communities First. For information contact Richard Murphy on 01495 742894 or richard.murphy@torfaen.gov.uk