Case Study : Willington Cards - Paul Coleman

Paul, who lives in Crook, opened Willington Cards on Willington’s high street with the support of Be Enterprising. Paul received funding from Be Enterprising to help cover start up costs including insurance, flyers and a shop sign.
He said: “My coach, Michael Smith was really supportive, as well as advising me on stock and where to buy it, he gave me advice on the business side of things like cash flow, book-keeping and things I hadn’t even thought about.”

Michael Smith, Paul’s Be Enterprising coach said: “We are committed to helping people in the most deprived communities of County Durham and Paul has been a model client, showing motivation and enthusiasm all the way through the process. Not only that, he has overcome a lot of personal issues to get where he is today and should be an inspiration to a lot of people.”

Two and a half years ago Paul was diagnosed with a serious spinal condition that severely affected his physical movement. Prior to his illness Paul was a skilled design engineer for nearly 10 years, but one day illness struck and Paul found himself unable to walk and could not continue with his career.
Paul said: “I did have severe spinal problems, but you can’t mope, you just have to get on with it. I have worked in Willington for years, and I had noticed that they had no local greeting cards shops and running my own business is something I have always wanted to do. You get used to a monthly salary, cars and holidays and it got put on the back burner, but my illness gave me the extra push I needed.”

Michael said: “We were delighted to help Paul get his own business off the ground and we wish him every success with Willington Cards.”

Willington Cards stocks greeting cards, party supplies and small gifts for special occasions.
Paul said: “Business is going well since opening; we are in quite a central location too, so we get a lot of passers-by who pop in.”