Ambassadors Programme
We are the champions!
Do you feel compelled to champion enterprise in your local business community?
Then become a Stepclever Enterprise Ambassador!
We have developed an Ambassador programme to help inspire individuals and fulfil their enterprise potential whilst promoting a 'can do' attitude to their local business community.
Ambassadors, whether they are entrepreneurs or private or public sector business, commit to promoting enterprise opportunities and volunteer to take part in events and activities that will inspire others.
In becoming an Ambassador, you will
- Raise your profile within the business community
- Receive preferential access to Stepclever workshops and power hours
- Have your profile featured on the Stepclever website, with direct links to your own website
- Have the opportunity to talk at Stepclever functions and forums
- Receive official certification to showcase on your premises
For more information, contact Lynne on 0151 934 2180 or email lynne.hibbert@stepclever.co.uk
Meet our Ambassadors
Name: Ronnie Cowan 
Job: Senior Contracts Manager
Company: Capricorn Kitchens
Ronnie is passionate about customer service and product quality and has lead the way at his company in with the development of the NONAME brand and managing prestigious projects such as Liverpool One, Elysian Fields and New City Vision to name but a few.
Initially joining as transport manager, he has been with Capricorn Kitchens for 8 years and has worked his way through to senior management due to his dynamic and enthusiastic attitude. He's secured external funding, iso9001 and is now working towards investors in people, demonstrating his passion for driving business to be the best it can be.
Ronnie says "It is a great honour to be part of the Stepclever ambassador programme and be part of enabling both new and old business a like to share the collective knowledge we all have. Through programmes like this we can beat the recession and create jobs and prosperity throughout the region."
Name: Elizabeth Forshaw 
Position: Director
Company: Little Miss Independent
Elizabeth believes that anything can be achieved through hard work and determination.
Currently running Little Miss Independent Ltd: a photographic studio, organising fashion events and being a director of the Miss Universe and Miss England licenced pageant heats, Elizabeth has taken hold of entrepreneurship and pushed it too it's limit. But it's not just all about work. Her business focuses on helping girls with low self esteem, and changing their lives, and charity takes priority, where all the profits from her latest fashion shows go to chosen charities: currently Help for Heros and the Joshua Foundation.
Elizabeth says "I believe in the culture of enterprise. Through hard work and determination I have followed my dream. I believe through my networking with people from all walks of life I can encourage them to pursue their dream and that there is help available with Stepclever."
www.littlemissindependent.co.uk
Name: Ian Holmes 
Job: Director of Sales
Company: Barry's Skip Hire
Ian is driven by keeping your business at the top of it's game and being the best you can be.
After 5 years in the Army with the Royal Core of Transport, Ian returned to Liverpool in 1987 and started working for Barry's Skip Hire, a family owned business, as a Skip Driver. After 20 years, Ian was made the company's sales director through his thorough understanding of what customers want.
His aim is to treat all clients the same and ensure that their customer journey is an experience they will remember for being professional, safe, clean and value for money.
Now, offering both Commercial Waste and Skip Hire, Barry's Skip Hire are proud of some major achievements: recycling 100% of their waste, attaining an exemplorary Health & Safety record and working with major, multi-national companies aswell as the local market.
Ian says "I am happy to share information about how Stepclever can help people achieve their goal with hard work and determination."
www.barrysskiphireliverpool.co.uk
Name: Paul Davies
Job: Director
Company: PRNS Building Services LTD
A plasterer and tiler by trade, Paul is company director at PRNS Building Services Ltd, and always aims to provide the best service to clients: delivering on time and to a top quality standard.
Paul says "After Stepclever have given me so much, I am happy to give something back in becoming a Stepclever Ambassador."
www.prnsbuildingservices.co.uk
Name: Mike Moran MBE
Job: Managing Director
Company: Bootle Containers
Mike's passions in business are organisational development and strategic planning, but also mentoring young people in businesses.
Following a successful career in the British Army, Mike started his own business which was awarded a national award for Britain's Most Promising New Business, followed by Business of the Year and International Business of the Year. After selling this in 2008 and launched an investment business, investing in seed, start-up and established businesses.
In 2009 Mike joined Bootle Containers to develop and implement a Strategic Growth programme.
Mike says "I consider Stepclever as a key stakeholder in the development of businesses within Sefton. As a business which has benefited from a Stepclever grant, Stepclever signposting services and the broader Stepclever networking opportunities, I want to ensure that I play my part in getting the positive messages out to other businesses within the area."
Name: Stephen Lawrenson & Stephen Boyle
Job: Directors
Company: STL Plumbing & Heating Ltd
Both Stephens are passionate about growing, not only their own business, but their local business community through the creation of new jobs.
Stephen and Stephen started up their business from scratch. It looks at all aspects of gas works: central heating, boiler upgrades, plumbing, gas certificates and servicing and breakdowns. Now, they are employing a full range of staff including engineers, office staff, surveyors and apprentices and continue to go from strength to strength.
They said: "Being from the local area and basing our business here we're keen to help our local business community even more."
Name: Jackie Wynne
Job: Owner
Company: Roxie O'Dell Couture
I am passionate about producing garments to a consistently high standard and getting the right results. I enjoy a challenge and strive to my customers what they envisioned
At Roxie O'Dell Couture, we pride ourselves on making beautiful garments for individuals of all shapes, sizes and ages. We believe that - whoever you are - you deserve to look and feel absolutely stunning
Getting a dress made should be an exciting and creative experience, and we want to help you make this happen! We have a passion for helping you design and create your perfect garment. Whether it be based on one of our designs or on a sketch or description of your own unique idea, it's perfectly possible to turn your idea of that perfect outfit into a reality.
I started sewing with my mother who was a seamstress as child; by the time I left school I knew all the basics. I built my knowledge and speed in a series of factory jobs and started working for myself when I was 20. I design and create fabulous gowns for proms, balls and the races.
I make unique bridesmaid and bridal dresses and don't worry gents, we also do matching waist jackets, bow ties and cravats for the groom, bestman and the rest of the male bridal party.
Last year we introduced our unique one off designs on 1sst holy communion dresses, perfect for your little princess on her special day I also design outfits for local celebrities
Through hard work and determination I have become successful and I feel now that with hard work everything is achievable. As a Stepclever Ambassador I can tell people about enterprise and that you have to power to be able to be anything you want to.
Name Billy Lambert
Job: Director
Company: Pinehurst Scaffolding Ltd
For my Company to be accepted by all clients, to be known for safe workmanship with good all round employees and to be known throughout the industry for our honest, and competitive prices.
Professional success to date: Attended a 2 yr course to achieve my N.E.B.O.S.H certificate, member of I.O.S.H (Associate) and hold grades 1 to 6 in scaffold supervision. With many years and a wealth of experience behind us we are well prepared to offer an effective and safe scaffolding service to a wide variety of clients.
Stepclever has been a great asset to lots of companies, with their help, in setting up companies, giving good advice, and being there at all times when problems occur, to give professional advice. I look at their outlook, and I feel, if given the chance, I could help out.
www.pinehurstscaffolding.co.uk
Name: Martin Clarke
Job: Company Director
Company: Bootle Glass Co Ltd
What you do: We are a Glazing Contractors covering all aspects of glazing domestic, Commercial and Industrial
What your professional passions are: Being involved in the restoration side leaded lights etc. We are currently working on the Florence Institute in Toxteth this is a fascinating project re - instating the glass using old film footage / photographs.
Why you wanted to become an Ambassador with Stepclever?
I feel that the advice and guidance I have received through Stepclever has been invaluable to my Business. It has enabled my Business to grow and I want to encourage other people / Businesses to take advantage of the services it has to offer .
Name: Tina Carroll
Job: Director
Company name: Tru Organics Ltd
Your email: info@truorganics.co.uk
What you do:
Tru Organics produce premium natural & organic skin care products from ethically produced raw ingredients. No animal testing or content, no SLS, Parabens, mineral oils, palm oil, no unnecessary, dead or dubious ingredients. We also have a wide selection of natural stone, crystal and amber jewellery plus rocks and crystals, with online shop. All products available to wholesalers and retailers and direct to the public.
If you don't see it on our site just ask
Your professional success to date:
We have several small outlets in Wales, England and Germany, also we received a grant from Step Clever allowing us to seriously consider responding to interest we have received from 3 outlets in China and possibly Japan. We have currently been offered further support from Step Clever with contacts in UKTI and research finance for them to prepare us for overseas trading.
What your professional passions are:
We believe that business can be ethical, honest and transparent and customer focused, and that the real measure of success and satisfaction is more about what you do and how you do it than what you possess and rate of profit.
Our business is part of who we are, not just something we strive to earn a living from. We have a holistic approach to health and wellness and see great potential for the future projects that Tru Organics can initiate or be part of as well as offering premium personal care products.
We wish to promote ethical values and fair trading, and to work with other ethical businesses, organisations and projects; provide information for people so that they are better able to make more informed consumer and life style choices.
We have spent the last year meeting many of our customers who have been wonderfully supportive, curious and very genuine people who we have grown to trust and hope we meet their standards unfalteringly.
Why you wanted to become an Ambassador with Stepclever?
We were invited to become ambassadors of Step clever, and would love to give something back to this organisation which has been incredibly supportive to us, and has made such an important difference to our business's ability to move forward and be better prepared for growth.
We will be eternally grateful as they have not only helped small business, like ourselves, survive this financial crisis, but helped with their ability to grow despite it.
Thank you!
Tina & Ruth x
Name: Paula Bunner
Job: Owner
Company: Name: LifeSaver Training
Your email: enquiries@lifesavertraining.co.uk
What you do:
We provide first aid and manual handling training to individuals and businesses in the North West. We are flexible in our training programmes to ensure that we adapt to the individual needs of our clients and minimise the disruption to their operations.
Your professional success to date:
Since leaving school and joining a family run business involved in servicing to the heavy engineering sector. I consider myself to have experienced almost every aspect of business life during my 21 years in the industry.
During this time I have taken on the managment and development of many areas of the business including development and implementation of quality assurance, health and safety and production control. My work has been recognised by National Associations which lead to my involment in developing industry wide Health & Saftey policies.
Following my involvement in scuba diving training, I qualified as an Emergency first response ( First aid) instructor to enable me to perform training in-house but ultimately this has lead to my changing career and starting my own Training business. I have continued to expand my own skills in qualifiying as an Instructor Trainer and Dive medic technician whilst also holding a Pttls qualification.
What your professional passions are:
I believe everyone should have the skills to help save a life. By advancing my own qualifications and training to the highest possible level I want to be able to offer the highest standard of training to my clients whilst still maintianing a comfortable and fun learning environment to aid skill retention
Why you wanted to become an Ambassador with Stepclever?
Stepclever has been the building block for my business and I look forward to being able to inform other local businesses of the benefits of talking to Stepclever Advisors.
Name: Alison Perry
Job: Director
Company Name: Triangle Builders
Email: info@trianglebuilders.co.uk
What you do:Alison Perry is director of Triangle Builders Limited - a building organisation which works with social housing landlords across Merseyside to design, build and renovate properties.
Not only do they provide a consistent high-quality service, but they are committed to improving the job prospects of those who live in the Bootle area, and so they only employ local people and have been trading for 35years
Your professional success to date:
To add to Alison's workload, in June she became the first ever female to be appointed National Chair of the National Federation of Builders. This high profile and prestigious role certainly achieved Alison's aim of highlighting women in the industry, but she was committed to making sure the organisation she had been dedicated to for 15 years was given every possible opportunity to flourish
What your professional passions are: Construction is my passion.
Why you wanted to become an Ambassador with Stepclever?
Alison added: "The changes to the company had meant my confidence was pretty low, but Stepclever gave me the kick I needed!"I was able to focus on what I had to do to take the company further and knew that I would be given support and guidance the entire time."Stepclever gave us fantastic marketing advice and how we could sell ourselves and make us an attractive option to potential clients."
Since making the most of what was on offer, Alison is looking at other ways to work with Stepclever and has already recommended them to other organisations.
"The help given is absolutely vital, especially at this time when a lot of people are struggling to keep their heads above water. I encourage as many people as possible to utilise what could be business-saving funding, help and advice."
Name: Jon Dunnington
Job: Creative Director
Company Name: design24seven
Email: jon@design24seven.co.uk
What you do
I am Creative Director of design24seven Design Agency and Co-Owner of Unfold Marketing. Combining an education and BA (Hons) in Graphic Design with the business knowledge I have picked up from my success with both companies (which I could not have done without Stepclever), I am able to provide businesses with a huge variety of services to increase sales and awareness. From a new logo, website and business cards, Search Engine Optimisation and Social Media Marketing to nationwide advertising campaigns and unique Marketing services
Your professional success to date:
Since September 2010, design24seven has had huge success in building our client list and portfolio. We have built up great working relationships with local printers and photographers allowing us to expand our range of services from just Graphic and Web Design to cater for all of our client's needs. We have worked with a range of clients from overseas property, Bars and Milliners to Colleges, Magazines and Musicians. Ranging from Liverpool, Manchester and Blackpool, as far as Thailand, Cyprus and Dubai.
Early last year I began a second company with 2 great business partners, Arron Leale and Alex Bennett, called Unfold Marketing. Unfold Marketing had great success in the wedding industry but we recently decided to shift into the student market. We are now a well known and trusted brand to provide all marketing services aimed at the student population, including Market Research, Event Management and Advertising and Publicity campaigns.
What your professional passions are:
I have a passion for using my skills and techniques to improve business. From a start-up company to a worldwide brand. I aim to help as many businesses reach there full potential in different and individual ways, all bespoke to the individual business
Why you wanted to become an Ambassador with Stepclever?
Stepclever have been a crucial element to the success that we have had with both companies so far and continue to help on a regular basis. I have been highly recommending the services to a number of my clients.
I feel I could help spread the advice that I was given and that proved vital to our growth and help out businesses in a similar position that I was in. We have learned to use some of the guidance given and mould this into more targeted tips relating to our sector. These could also prove useful to other businesses.
Name: Dave Bridson
Job: Managing Director/Owner
Company name: Dave Bridson Rubbish Removals
Email: dave@rubbishremovals.co.uk
What you do:
Dave Bridson Rubbish Removals is a Liverpool-based, family owned company that has been established for 20 years. The company offers a range of specialist services for the public and commercial clients, including removals, cleansing, environmental/waste services, property renovation, pest control, and forensic clean up services. Clients including Councils, Housing Associations, NHS Trusts, and property services companies, and business services.
Your professional success to date:
• We have built the company up from scratch, and have won a number of large contracts through tendering with public agencies. This has enabled us to grow the business, and employ local people in long-term jobs.
• We won business with the Police authority, delivering forensic and crime scene clean ups, biohazards etc.
• We also have regular, on-going maintenance contracts with a number of Councils and Housing Associations, renovating and cleaning properties, and waste removal, and gardening services.
What your professional passions are:
We are committed to providing excellent service, at a competitive rate.
We tailor our services to customers needs/budget, and are willing to go the ‘extra mile', in delivering a high level of customer service, and aftercare.
We are a ‘green' company, and have a strong ethos of environmental sustainability in the services that we provide. Our work involves waste and environmental services, and we are fully accredited with the Environment Agency, and other legislative agencies
Why you wanted to become an Ambassador with Stepclever?
I have been self-employed for 20+ years, and have owned 3 businesses, setting them up from a cold start. I was delighted to be asked to become a Stepclever Ambassador, in support of their activities aimed at encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit amongst local companies and residents.