Member Article

Jeff is on hedge of national recognition

A local entrepreneur who has overcome significant personal trauma has reached the final of the 2007 NES Entrepreneur of the Year Competition. Jeff Sheers set up his own successful hedge laying and tree planting service in 2006, after years of rehabilitation following a serious accident.

In 2003, Jeff was caught in a serious fire at the bakery where he worked, suffering 30% burns to his body. This left him severely scarred and very ill. After spending a considerable amount of time recovering, Jeff found himself unable to work due to the anxiety caused by what had happened.

Jeff said: “At this point I decided to take control of my life by entering into a completely different work environment. I spent what little money I had re-training in hedge laying and tree planting.”

His commitment and determination resulted in him being listed in the directory of the National Hedge Laying Society, which is held and used by local governments and councils. However, despite the fact that he was now very well qualified in his chosen industry, Jeff knew very little about setting up and running his own business.

When he approached the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) for assistance, Jeff’s business advisor suggested that he should join the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES) programme, and implement what he would learn into the development of his business plan.

Since the business has been up and running, Jeff has secured regular contractual work with a number of large organisations as well as carrying out regular work for private households.

Paul Cairns, Training Manager at the BIC, said: “I have met and worked with a great number of people over the years and have seen them come through great hardship in order to succeed. However, few have impressed me as much as Jeff has. His motivation, determination and attitude towards life and the continued success of his business should act as an inspiration to others.”

Visit www.nesprogramme.org for more information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .