Enterprise Award Winner, Jemma

Despite a rocky start in life, Jemma, 32 from Belfast, realised her own potential after being made redundant during the pandemic and is now running a successful, inclusive recruitment company.

“I was made redundant during the pandemic. This was a difficult time and I started to plan what to do next. I wanted to complete a CIPD course to become a certified HR professional and The Prince’s Trust offered me financial support with the course fee. They then signposted me onto the Enterprise programme.

Having worked in the Recruitment industry for over 10 years, I’ve dreamt of starting a recruitment company specialising in hiring candidates into STEM jobs and matching them with companies that prioritised equity, diversity and inclusion. However, I had never acted on the idea because I was nervous when it came to understanding both the legality and HMRC-related responsibilities. The Prince’s Trust helped me to understand business operations, which included writing a business plan, creating a cashflow and product marketing.”

Jemma has now moved the business into premises in Belfast City Centre and employs a team to cope with demand.

“I have so much more self-confidence than I used to and want to make a positive change in the recruitment industry. I’m excited about what the future holds and we’re now in motion to expand Diverse Talent across the UK. I am more satisfied with life than I dreamed I could be.”