Change Lives
You can make a very real difference to some very deserving young people in Suffolk. Just Duck It will make it possible for 3 talented young people to have their business dreams become a reality. What’s more, these will be young people who were only unable to make it because of difficult problems in their lives. Your actions and contributions will give them the support they deserve, as well as improving the business and economy in Suffolk. We have described one such story here. We hope you think it inspirational and uplifting.
Read Brian’s Story
Brian Wilson worked for a skate shop, but when it closed he found himself being made redundant. Brian loved what he did, and was prepared for a great deal of hard work, and so turned to the youth charity The Prince’s Trust for help and advice. Thanks to The Prince’s Trust recognising his potential and dedication, Brian received a business loan and support and opened up his business in February 2008. Brian is now a full time businessman running the successful and niche skate shop, ABD.
Skaters come from all over Suffolk to visit his shop ABD Skate in Ipswich to find their skating equipment. Deciding on a name for his shop was easy for Brian -‘Already Been Done’ – not only is it fitting for him personally as he has already worked in a skate shop but it is skating slang for a move that has already been performed by another skater.
ABD Skate shop sells skating equipment, shoes, clothes and accessories to both skaters and non-skaters, as Brian calls them. The shop, situated on Great Colman Street, is the epicentre of spending for any skate fanatic. Brian says they flock there for his exclusive brands, which includes Nike SB – the only place skaters can buy it in Suffolk.
Brian currently runs the shop on his own and works a six day week. He said:
The business is going well – I am still here so that is the main thing. I haven’t seen any effect by the recession. It has affected a lot of people for different reasons but the skate shop is specialist so as long as skaters are still skating then I should not have a problem. I am always working but I really enjoy my job and running a business so I don’t think about it really.