Salford entrepreneur fulfils cake-making dream

A Salford man has realised his dream of starting his own baking company after participating in an advice scheme provided by social housing organisation City West and obtaining a startup grant.

Phil Clemens, from Swinton, was able to launch Eye Sing on the Cake when he landed a £500 grant and participated in Don’t Keep It Under Your Hat, the programme offered by City West to help entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground.

Commenting on his venture, Phil said: “Orders are coming in thick and fast since I completed the course. I’ve just received five stars for cleanliness and food hygiene from Salford City Council, and I’m planning to grow my business into a full catering firm in the future – eventually moving into a shop and hiring employees to help me out.

“City West has given me invaluable knowledge on how to turn my dream into reality and pushed me to achieve my goals – without them I would probably still be working temporary jobs.

He added: “I would tell anyone either struggling to find work or dreaming of becoming their own boss to go on this course.”

As part of the programme, Phil regularly met with the City West enterprise team to talk about his ideas and put a launch strategy together. He was taught how to make a business plan, obtain finance and promote his enterprise.

ForViva housing group member City West, which owns and manages more than 14,600 homes across the North West, also transformed a room in Phil’s house into a working commercial kitchen.

To date, Don’t Keep It Under Your Hat has helped 30 people obtain grants to start their own businesses.

ForViva’s director of business transformation, Lisa Scully, commented: “Following the recent news that unemployment is once again rising across the UK, it is more important than ever that our customers and residents have opportunities to get into work and boost the local economy as a result.”

“We wish Phil the best of luck and look forward to seeing his ambitious growth plans.”

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