PRIME Cymru is hosting business start-up sessions for ex-Tata Steel workers who would like to become self-employed.
The next workshop will take place at Tata Steel Support Hub, Aberavon Shopping Centre, Port Talbot on Tuesday 8th July at 1pm-3.30pm.
Tracy Eynon will be running the session, which will focus on putting together a strong business plan, financial options and marketing.
Held in collaboration with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s Tata Skills and Employment Team, the session hopes to ease the transition for those facing redundancy from the steelworks.
For some, it will be a chance to pursue a business idea they have always wanted to pursue. PRIME Cymru, a charity supporting people aged 50+ in Wales to secure work or set up in business, recently supported former Tata Steel employee Nikki Lee to set up her sustainable funeral flower business.
Nikki, 52, who worked as a cleaner and later in recruitment and wages, says the closure left the once bustling workplace eerily silent.
She said: “It’s like a ghost town.”
Determined to forge a new path, Nikki decided to start her own sustainable funeral flower business, Farewell Flower Hire. Inspired by her time working near a crematorium, Nikki envisioned an eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral tributes. Her creations are made from recycled plastic and free from microplastic-laden oasis.
Rather than buying the flowers then discarding, her displays will be hired out then returned to be reused, offering a more sustainable and affordable option for families.
Nikki credits Tracy’s guidance as instrumental in launching her business.
She said: “To be honest, I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of Tracy.”
Find out more about the free services by visiting the PRIME Cymru website.
