Cwmbran-based entrepreneur, Laura Adams 26, set up her business with the help of the Welsh Government Start up loan and Torfaen Local Investment Fund, in January 2014.

Now, as the second anniversary of the business approaches, Laura has doubled the size of the business premises and has recently been approved for the Jobs Growth Wales Scheme.

For a small business, hiring your first employee is a massive step, while still following lean operating procedures, Bespoke Laser UK and Laura are now ready for growth and preparing for the busiest time of year.

Laura said: “The past two years have been a whirlwind of learning and working extremely hard. With my busiest season approaching the jobs growth wales placement couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Joel Young, 19, also from Cwmbran, has joined Laura as workshop assistant handling post production and dispatch as well as putting his photography qualifications to use for the business website and social media marketing.

Laura said: “Developing Joel’s skills within the industry is key to the business growth I have planned, making the job sustainable is my next goal and the placement has been a huge help in making the leap to becoming an employer for the first time.”

The Bespoke Laser cutting service has been in high demand across the UK and globally, producing work for Red Bull, ITV, London-based franchise Lola’s Cupcakes and many local companies such as Parc Pantry, Malpas and Lollipops & Ladybirds, Cwmbran.

Setting her sights high Laura was shortlisted for Young Entrepreneur of the year at the National Entrepreneur Awards and the Something New award for the National Vintage Wedding awards.