A Pontypool woman has been chosen as a finalist in the search for Britain’s Top Real Role Model (BTRRM) – an initiative run by leading direct selling business, Amway UK Ltd.
Grace Quantock, from Pontypool could win £5,000 to invest into her business and benefit from the prestigious accolade of Britain’s Top Real Role Model 2015.
Budding entrepreneurs who set up a business inspired by a hobby or a passion of theirs were invited to enter the competition, which launched in June 2015. Many ‘Passionpreneurs’ from around the country have been outlining their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit with an online application made via a dedicated website,www.btrrm2015.co.uk.
Grace Quantock entered Healing Boxes CIC, a business that provides heart-warming gift boxes for people who are in hospital due to severe injuries or illnesses. The boxes contain snacks and treats and items like lotion, tea and comfy socks to make patients feel comfortable during their stay. Grace is now one of ten finalists who have made it through to the last stage of the competition.
Now in its fifth year, Britain’s Top Real Role Model celebrates and rewards entrepreneurship in the UK. Each year, a renowned ambassador spearheads the campaign. For 2015, multi-award winning Interior Designer Kelly Hoppen MBE – an astute businesswoman also recognised for her appearance on Dragon’s Den – is delighted to be involved in the judging process.
Kelly comments on her involvement: ‘I started my career at the age of 16 and a half when I was given the opportunity to design a family friend’s kitchen. It can be difficult to take the first step as an entrepreneur but it is also an exciting time of self-discovery when you achieve what you once thought was impossible.
‘In my capacity as a judge for Britain’s Top Real Role Model, I am looking for a winning entry that is an amazing idea that really captivates my imagination. It must be commercially sound too. I wish Grace all the best in the next stage of the competition.’
Grace Quantock has now been invited by Amway UK Ltd to submit a short business plan alongside nine other hopefuls in the UK. Her entry will be critiqued by Kelly Hoppen, plus other colleagues and associates of Amway UK Ltd.
Grace Quantock comments: ‘I am delighted to have been nominated as a shortlist for BTRRM. It means a lot for my social enterprise Healing Boxes to be acknowledged as doing something great for individuals in the UK. If I won, I would use the money towards growing the business on a much bigger scale, to ensure that everyone in need has access to the comfort and support of Healing Boxes.’
Sheryl Franklin-Worth, Corporate Affairs Manager at Amway UK concludes: ‘Entrepreneurship is vital to the growth of our economy and individuals like Grace are making a difference and that needs to be celebrated. Regardless of the outcome, Grace is making her mark in Pontypool and we hope the community will get behind their brilliant idea.’
Amway encourages and supports enterprise globally through its direct selling business model. To reflect this, Amway UK Ltd will provide the winner of BTRRM a £5,000 investment, to be paid into their business account. The winner will be announced on 5th October 2015.
