Folkestone entrepreneur is a cut above

Daniel Laing, from Hawkinge, near Folkestone, has launched his own mobile hairdressing business, despite suffering from dyslexia with help from InBiz, an organisation dedicated to the development of self employment and entrepreneurship.

When Daniel, 22, became unemployed from his job at a local hair salon, he decided that he wanted to do a ‘hands on’ role, as his dyslexia meant he struggled with paperwork. He chose hairdressing, as it appealed to his creative nature, and involved working with people, which he enjoyed.

Daniel had always harboured an ambition to run his own business and work for himself, but was concerned that his dyslexia would prevent him from being able to complete the paperwork side of the business.

When Daniel became unemployed, he was faced with the ideal opportunity to launch his business. He approached InBiz in Folkestone, Kent, for help and was assigned his own personal business adviser, Ursula Leonard.

Daniel explained his concerns to Ursula, who took him through everything he needed to know. With Ursula’s help, he was able to devise a comprehensive business plan, something he never thought he would be able to do.

Daniel’s dyslexia had left him suffering a lack of confidence, but Ursula helped him to focus on all the things he could do. He was soon confident enough to try his hand at bookkeeping, tax and marketing, and Ursula was always on hand whenever he needed any extra support.

Daniel’s mobile hairdressing business, trading as Daniel’s Mobile Hairdresser, is now up and running, with Daniel enjoying being a businessman. He said, "I am really grateful to Ursula for all the help she has given me. I never thought I could be running my own business, doing all my own paperwork, but Ursula has taught me all I needed to know and has helped me to believe in myself. I would recommend InBiz to anyone thinking of starting their own business."

Claire Rock, Area Manager at InBiz added, "Daniel is a good example of the work that InBiz does in Folkestone. He had the practical skills needed to launch his own mobile hairdressing, but needed some help to gain business knowledge. Daniel was concerned he wouldn’t be able to do it because of his dyslexia, but InBiz helped him to work around it, and I look forward to him becoming the next celebrity hairdresser!"

InBiz Preess Release