A local entrepreneur has overcome significant personal trauma by setting up his own successful hedge laying & tree planting service, and after winning the regional heat of the 2007 NES Entrepreneur of the Year Competition, he is set to contend in the national final at the end of October.

Jeff Sheers had worked for most of his life as a qualified baker, and lived a very normal life with his wife and children. However, in 2003, he was caught up in a serious fire at work and suffered 30% burns to his body, leaving him severely scarred and very ill.
After spending a considerable amount of time recovering, Jeff was unable to work due to the anxiety caused by what had happened. Unable to earn money to support his family, he found himself in a difficult predicament.

It was at this point that he decided to take control of his life by entering into a completely different work environment, spending a considerable amount of his own money re-training in hedge laying and tree planting. His commitment and determination resulted in him being listed in the directory of the National Hedge Laying Society, which is held and used by local governments and councils.

Despite the fact that he was now very well qualified in his chosen industry, Jeff knew very little about setting up and running his own business. When he approached the BIC for assistance, Jeff’s business adviser suggested that he should join the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES) programme, and implement what he would learn into the development of his business plan.

Since the business has been up and running, Jeff has secured regular contractual work with a number of large organisations as well as carrying out regular work for private households. He has also recently employed a member of staff to allow the business to take on greater amounts of work.      

“I have met and worked with a great number of people over the years and have seen them come through great hardship in order to succeed. However, few have impressed me as much as Jeff has. His motivation, determination and attitude towards life and the continued success of his business should act as an inspiration to others.”

Jeff will travel to Stratford upon Avon with business advisors Paul Cairns and Ryan Mason on 31st October, where he and other regional finalists will take part in a full day’s activities before the NES Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner is announced.
Visit www.nesprogramme.org for more information.