Owen Lowry
Before 24-year-old Owen from Plymouth came to
The Prince’s Trust, he was disruptive in school and had a
reputation as a troublemaker. With the help of The Trust, he now
owns a successful business selling and delivering free range eggs
to the local community.
Owen had difficulty concentrating on his studies and
as a result lacked the confidence and motivation to work towards
his future. By the time he was 15-years-old, he had been suspended
five times, expelled from two different schools and was in trouble
with the police.
Despite his anti-social behaviour, Owen went on to attend
college. However, he decided to drop out in his first year and took
a job in his local pet shop instead.
Following a trip abroad, he became unemployed and found it
difficult to find another job.
Over the next three years Owen managed to find only 10-weeks of
work. He felt trapped in a vicious cycle, where the longer he was
unemployed, the more hopeless and demotivated he felt.
During this time, Owen started keeping a small number of poultry
in a friend’s back garden, selling the eggs to pay for their
upkeep. Owen soon realized this could be turned into a profitable
business so he decided to approach The Prince’s Trust for help to
start his own business and end his struggle with unemployment.
As part of the Enterprise Programme, Owen was assigned a
business mentor, Christopher Boote, who gave him support in drawing
up a business plan. He also received a £500 loan and £2,000 grant
to set up his venture.
In 2010, Owen launched Plympton Eggs – a business selling and
delivering free range eggs to the local community.
Although Owen suffered a huge setback in his first year of
trading when he lost 100 chickens to disease, he worked hard to
recover his flock and now has a loyal customer base and 140 healthy
hens. His business has flourished and Owen now has diversified into
rearing pigs and turkeys.
Owen said:
I used to have a hard time committing to
projects, but since I set up my business, I have learnt that hard
work pays off and I enjoy dedicating my time to this venture. I am
finally optimistic about my future and I could not have achieved
this success without the support of The Prince’s Trust.
Champions
We would like to acknowledge the individuals or organisations
who have played a key role in helping this young person achieve
success through their Prince’s Trust programme.
- Christopher Boote, Business
Mentor
- Daniel Phillips, The Prince’s
Trust