Blindability wins backing from UK Steel Enterprise
FINANCIAL support from UK Steel Enterprise has helped put a disabled business owner on the road to success.
UK Steel Enterprise, the wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel that operates in areas of the UK affected by changes in the steel industry, has backed Matthew Carr from Rowley Regis who was struggling to raise finance to start up his new business Blindability.
Carr identified the fact that there was no one providing specialist training for partially sighted and blind people in how to make full use of an IPad and other IT devices.
After conducting market research and developing a business plan, he approached UK Steel Enterprise for funding to support the launch of Blindability and he is now winning contacts up and down the country.
He said: “The IPad has a number of settings and applications that make it incredibly useful for disabled people. I provide training to teaching and support staff in schools as well as individuals on how to use the iPad along with the accessibility features it contains and with calls coming in all the time I think I’m going to be very busy in 2014.”
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce introduced him to UK Steel Enterprise.
UK Steel Enterprise’s Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to start-up businesses to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to companies in The Black Country and other areas of the UK.
Allan Wood, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise, said. “The expert knowledge that Matthew brings to the business and the market research indicates he is in a great position to target a real niche market.
“There is every possibility that this entrepreneur could go on to create a thriving and successful business.”
Carr was registered blind in 2007 due to the effects of retinitis pigmentosa, a condition which he was born with that kills the peripheral cells of the eye.
