A former mechanics apprentice has become a start up entrepreneur after major health challenges forced him to switch vocations.
Michael Vowles launched MVP Tiling and Decorating, offering high-quality painting, decorating, and tiling services. However, the journey to becoming his own boss has not been straightforward.
His career began with an apprenticeship as a mechanic but he was forced to leave the trade and focus on recovery after being diagnosed with a medical condition known as spinal degeneration.
Michael turned to painting and decorating by enrolling in a course with Access Wales, which helped him acquire the training he needed for a career change.
With new skills at his disposal and his medical condition under control, Michael worked as part a of a warehouse maintenance team until 2022, when his job was made redundant after his employer went into administration.
Through the Welsh Government’s ReAct+ programme, he secured funding for a tiling course which enabled him to provide a wider range of services as a self-employed tradesperson. Michael’s former boss also encouraged him to reach out to Business Wales for help to set up his business.
Michael was introduced to Business Wales Adviser, Ian Harvey, who was able to guide him through the process and resources he needed to establish his own company.
Ian helped him consider how to finance the business and identified a £2,000 grant available at the time. The funding allowed him to purchase a dustless sanding system, used to minimise the amount of dust created through decorating. This equipment has been key to Michael being able to provide services to customers who are dealing with their own health conditions.
The grant allowed Michael to effectively market and promote his company, including advertising in a local magazine, which reaches every home in Newport. Social media has also played a key role in driving the business forward, with Michael offering a digital business card for potential clientele to scan and see his work.
Michael said:
“Having always found maintaining a traditional 9-5 job quite difficult with my spinal degeneration, when I was made redundant I knew this was my chance to make a change. I’ve always loved the idea of being my own boss and working for myself, and this was sort of a now or never moment.
“The grant funding has helped me to source equipment I wouldn’t have been able to purchase out of my own pocket. It’s helped to improve my work environment but also deliver a healthier experience for my clients who have health issues of their own.
“I’ve faced a lot of challenges in my career, but thanks to the support I’ve received from Business Wales, I’m now in a position to build a reputable and sustainable business.”
Michael soon hopes to hire additional staff to expand his painting, decorating, tiling, and handyman services in the local community and beyond.
Business Wales Business Adviser, Ian Harvey, said:
“Michael is a great example of what can be achieved through resilience and determination. He came to us very prepared but needed help with where to start. To see the progress he has made in such a short time should be applauded and is proof that with the right guidance, anyone can make the transition to creating businesses with good potential for growth.”
