Young entrepreneur Sarah McHarg has received a special award and bursary from the Cardiff Business Club for her enterprise, Massages for Pirates. Sarah, 28, established her business in 2017 with support from youth charity The Prince’s Trust Cymru.
After losing her job and suffering a series of illnesses, Sarah wanted to explore self-employment but didn’t know where to start. The Trust’s 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 the 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 says, “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.”
The Prince’s Trust Cymru is undergoing a period of change to increase its provision for young people. The charity wants young people to be at the heart of economic growth in Wales, and it is urging organisations to work together to achieve this collective ambition.
Phil Jones, Director, The Prince’s Trust Cymru, said, “I see so much potential in our young people and its crucial we nurture their aspirations, and give them the support they need to achieve success. Not only is this beneficial for them as individuals, but for their families, communities and country. Congratulations to Sarah who has demonstrated what can be achieved with the right support.”
The Prince’s Trust Cymru has recruited senior figures from across different sectors to support its growth plans. This includes former Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government Sir Derek Jones, BT Cymru Director Alwen Williams and Director of CBI Wales, Ian Price.
Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.
