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Ellie and other young entrepreneurs blossom as they defy crisis to start business

It’s not the obvious time to be starting up a business – but Ellie Taylor is a woman who is determined not to let the coronavirus crisis hold her back.

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Ellie Taylor, right, and her sister Rachael Johnson, left, with Thumper and Snowflake the rabbits

She is one of an increasing number of young people attempting to forge ahead with a new venture as many other firms close or scale down.

The 22-year-old has set up Blossoms Activity Farm, to share her love of animals with others.

That means working closely with cute guinea pigs, chinchillas and rabbits – as well a less cuddly turtles, a lizard and a snake.

Since the start of the pandemic, government data has shown that unemployment in young people has increased by 88,000, a rise of 17 per cent.

Almost two million jobs held by young people, and almost half of eligible jobs, were furloughed at some point between March and the end of July.

For many it is a time of despair. But it has also promoted many young people to take issues into their own hands and the quickly changing landscape of the job market this year has prompted a number of under 25s to set up their own businesses.

Ellie, from Sandwell, was one of the Black Country's young people who decided to take the plunge and forge their own business.

After completing her animal science and care qualification, which led to work in several veterinary practices, Ellie decided to open her own mobile petting business, called Blossoms Activity Farm, to share her love of animals with others.

She completed an enterprise programme with The Princes Trust in February just before the pandemic hit, and alongside family support, Ellie also secured a loan from the Trust to start her business.

Ellie Taylor, right, and her sister Rachael Johnson with Mr Beardy the bearded dragon

Ellie said: "As soon as I started studying animal care I knew I wanted to stay in that field when I started a business. It was scary at first, but I knew if I didn’t give it a go I would regret it later."

It has been difficult for Ellie, as lockdown has meant she has been unable to go into homes or into schools.

She was also unable to find land to host all the animals, which means her pets are now living with her and family members, who she visits twice daily to ensure the animals are safe and remain in good health.

Her sister, Rachael, has also been supporting her since setting up the business and helping with parties.

Ellie added: "Animals have always offered me comfort. A few years ago I became ill after my granddad died and if it wasn’t for my pet rabbit, Roary, I’m not sure I would have coped.

"My business is an extension of me and my love of animals. Each party enables children to pet and learn more about the animals as well as ask questions.

"The reactions of the children towards my animals is special and reminds me why I felt the need to set up my business.

"Thanks to The Prince’s Trust and family support I am now awaiting a purpose built shed to house all my animals. I can’t wait for it to arrive."

Looking to the future, Ellie hopes to buy her own land to increase the number of animals and, further down the line, she would like to open a petting farm in the West Midlands.

The last year has also been hard for university graduates, with many struggling to get jobs in the sectors they have trained for.

Rachael Johnson

Axl Barber, 25, and Tom Burden, 26, became friends while both studying business management at University of Wolverhampton.

Before university, Axl served in the armed forces. Tom planned to join the police after he finished his studies and was working at a factory in the corrugated packaging industry to earn money while he was learning, which is where the inspiration came for their joint business venture.

Axl said: "Tom started to learn about the complexities of the industry and just how many factors had to be considered when choosing packaging. These factors can have a significant impact on quality and cost.

"After realising many buyers and companies didn’t have a good understanding of these factors, it was apparent there was an opportunity to help out and ensure companies were buying the right packaging for their business and not overspending.

"It was here that the idea behind RightBox was planted, the UK’s first digital marketplace aimed at corrugated cardboard packaging."

As graduates, the pair applied for the University's SPEED programme, which helps students start a business, providing grants and office space amongst other benefits.

"RightBox is designed to make it quicker, easier and cheaper for businesses to buy cardboard boxes and connect with more suitable suppliers. We also offer a consultation service," added Axl

"At a time when a lot of companies are making cutbacks, we are offering a completely free service to generate vital cost savings on packaging."

The two graduates are hoping to inspire others who may be in their position and final year students who are anxious about finding graduate jobs.

Axl added: "We know how difficult this year has been and the impact it has had on all aspects of life, including the job market.

"We don’t want other graduates to feel discouraged about the lack of opportunities.

"We want to share our story to ignite positivity in the local area and show that with hard work and focus you can create your own opportunities."

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