Three entrepreneurs have launched their own businesses this month with support from Torfaen council.

The Handy Man, Celebrate with Wendy, and Once Upon a Dress were all supported by a project designed to help residents in Communities First areas to develop their business ideas.

Further support was provided by Torfaen Effect, a panel of volunteers drawn from the local businesses community, voluntary organisations and the public sector, who provide free confidential business expertise and advice.

Jason Winmill, 44, from Fairwater in Cwmbran, was a full time dad for 10 years and found it difficult to get back into work. Formerly a painter and decorator, he decided to strike out on his own as The Handy Man, providing a handyman service to local residents, but although he had the skills he lacked the funding and knowledge to get his business idea off the ground.

He said: “I was struggling financially as a single parent and contacted the council for support. As well as helping my with my business plan they supplied all my leaflets and business cards, and have helped me access a loan from the Torfaen Credit Union that will allow me to buy equipment and do some additional training to further my skills.”

Wendy Williams, 59, also of Fairwater, recently retired from a career in the care sector and was encouraged to set up Celebrate with Wendy by her husband. She creates celebratory bouquets and flower displays for special occasions.

She said: “I was making wreaths and flower arrangements and selling them locally via word of mouth. The support I have received has allowed me to reach a wider audience, and I am now planning to trial a stall in Pontypool Indoor Market.”

Richard Murphy, from Communities First Torfaen, said: “Communities First areas are recognised as some of the deprived communities in the country, with high levels of unemployment. There are many people in these communities who have a huge range of valuable skills and expertise, but don’t have the know how to get out there and start their own business, and we aim to support these people.

“With the additional support from the local business community through Torfaen Effect we can offer them a full package of business support, and I would urge anyone who has an idea for a business to get in touch for an informal discussion to see how we may be able to help.”

Torfaen Effect is sponsored by Welsh Government, Torfaen council and Communities First.