20 March 2000

A CLASSIC CASE OF NEW DEAL

Just 4 months ago, 50 year old Samuel Ross set up his own business, restoring MGs under the New Deal initiative, and already ex-Miss Northern Ireland, Fiona Hurley, is one of his best clients.

"Although MGs are my first love, I just couldn’t turn down her Frog Eyed Sprite," says Samuel with a smile. "But after a spin in my MGB Roadster, I think I may have converted her!"

Sam was a bookbinder by trade until he became redundant eight years ago. He applied for jobs, but generally had no luck. Feeling that perhaps employers were put off by his age, he turned to restoring MGs to fill his time.

New Deal has now offered him the chance to turn his hobby into a business.

He adds: "I went to see my New Deal Personal Advisor at the Newtownabbey JobCentre. He suggested I consider the New Deal 25 Plus self-employment option and arranged for me to get proper training in setting up a business, including business planning, marketing and basic book-keeping. He also put me in touch with a mentoring service so that I have ongoing professional advice when I need it.

"So far it’s been great. Now I’m one of only 3 professional MG restorers in Northern Ireland, and with over 3,000 of the cars in the Province there is plenty of work to go round."

 

Sam’s Personal Advisor, Chris McLaughlin, says: "I was delighted when Sam started trading late last year on a test basis. He’s such a nice guy and has shown the commitment to follow through with a good idea. Now his business seems to be well and truly run-in.

"Like the cars Sam restores, this is a classic – it’s living proof that New Deal can and does make the difference."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MG Services, Sam’s company, is based in Glengormley and can be contacted on 07771 573624.

For further information and/or photographs, please contact the T&EA Press Office on 01232 257792 or 257790.