The pandemic has been the spark for many people to take the plunge and start their own businesses. After a disappointing Indian takeaway experience, Bal Kaur’s family and friends helped convince her to turn her passion for Punjabi food into a new venture.

There are many different motives behind new business startups. And even when financial success isn’t the primary objective, you need key business skills to succeed. Ruth Lane turned to Cool Ventures for expert guidance as she launched Forget Me Not Dementia Services.

Complementary therapist Buddug Green has spent years building-up her reflexology practice. But like so many enterprises, it took a hit when the coronavirus pandemic struck. To win new customers she needed to get to grips with social media marketing – a task that filled her with trepidation.

Landlady Sandra Davies spent a decade building up her pub business, only to see trade wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. With the beer turned off, she tapped into free business support from Cool Ventures, securing funding for new facilities and learning valuable new skills.

Wild Fork West, private chef and caterer Michael Holloway has established a growing business providing high quality catering for weddings and private dining events. It’s all a far cry from his previous career in the legal profession – so how has he done it?