Joseph Rogers
Joseph was struggling to find work and was beginning to feel dejected about his prospects. However, after taking part in The Prince’s Trust’s Enterprise programme, he now feels confident and well prepared to build a software development business.
Joseph, a university graduate, had been out of work for an extended period and had never held a secure, long-term position. He dreamed of being able to start his own business but lacked the confidence and know-how to pursue this and put his degree to good use.
After suffering multiple setbacks, Joseph found it difficult to maintain his motivation and began to feel as though his dreams were slipping through his fingers. Eventually, he found out about The Prince’s Trust’s Enterprise programme – a course aimed at helping budding business owners and entrepreneurs gain the skills and resources they need to bring their ideas to life.
He took part in opportunities designed to instil self-confidence and revelled in the new experiences he was involved in. Joseph felt that the willingness of the staff to listen and provide honest, practical and objective support was massively beneficial.
As he progressed through the Enterprise programme, Joseph’s confidence began to grow and after completing the course, he made great strides towards building his business – Reclaimer Games – which would focus on creating games and interactive experiences for organisations such as museums and local charities. Using contacts he made whilst on the course, Joseph had multiple project meetings with interested clients.
However, due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation, the progress Joseph’s business was making came to a halt. Planned projects fell through and potential backers were forced to suspend their interest in his company in the name of self-preservation.
“My business has mostly focused on creating interactive experiences and games for the now heavily impacted sector of museums and local charities. We were actually in the midst of setting up a project meeting with a client when we were forced to delay and ultimately postpone the project due to the epidemic. We had also been introduced to a digital marketing agency, but not long after they had to dissolve the company due to lack of clients and events. I count at least three projects we will have missed because of the epidemic.
“On the upside Creative Scotland made grants available which I have applied for and I have registered my interest in The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Relief Fund.
Despite these enormous setbacks, Joseph has refused to let this situation overwhelm him. He has been using his time wisely; fine-tuning aspects of his business, as well as designing new interactive software.
Joseph remains optimistic, believing that Reclaimer Games will be a success despite finding himself in a precarious position for young businesses.
He says: “A rock has been thrown into the stream changing the direction, but I am still very much along for the ride.”