Young entrepreneur Sarah McHarg has received a special award and bursary from Cardiff Business Club for her business, Massages for Pirates. Sarah established the business with support from our Enterprise programme in 2017.

After losing her job and suffering a series of illnesses, Sarah, 28, wanted to explore self-employment but didn’t know where to start. The Enterprise programme gave her the confidence, guidance and support she needed to make it on her own. She says,

I came to The Prince's Trust in search of some hope and inspiration. I’d had a few bad years and was unsure where my life was going. The Trust helped me to realise my dream, and I’m loving it.

Sarah’s business, Massages for Pirates, provides a holistic therapy service inspired by buccaneers and the seven seas. Alongside traditional benefits of physical therapy, Sarah promises ‘banterous conversation’ and treatment at a reasonable cost, hoping to dispel the myth that therapy is unaffordable for the majority.

To be nominated for the award, the business was required to demonstrate sustainability and have an element of community or social benefit. Sarah adds,

Massages for Pirates is designed to make therapy accessible to people on a low budget. I’ve also volunteered at a homeless centre, providing treatment for those who have no budget at all. It’s so important to support other people these days, and I hope my enterprise can play its part.

We are increasing our support for young people in Wales and encouraging collaboration across different sectors to ensure young people are at the heart of economic growth. Phil Jones, Director, Prince's Trust Cymru, says,

It’s crucial we nurture the aspirations of young people and give them the backing they need to achieve success. Congratulations to Sarah who has demonstrated what can be achieved with the right support.

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*photograph by Richard Bosworth