PM urged to help disabled entrepreneurs

A HUDDERSFIELD entrepreneur will urge Gordon Brown to recognise fund-raising difficulties experienced by disabled owner/managers in a meeting with the prime minister. 

Stephen Collins’ invitation follows a letter written to Mr Brown, which outlined his concerns over difficulties in persuading banks to extend credit for his business Lazarus Mobility.

Mr Collins, who has cerebral palsy, also plans to highlight how small businessess like his can help the wider community by providing employment and getting local poeple of benefits and into work.

“All we need is a little initial financial help and some training and we can continue to make it happen and lead on the economic recovery our country so desperately needs,” he said.

“I’m also hoping to talk about the prejudices disabled people like myself experience day in and day out. I’m not disabled by my physical health so much as by the prejudices of others who see me as unable to function as a successful businessman.”

He continued: “I hope to convince him by my example how important it is that physically disabled people are given the same opportunities as others to enable them to prosper and ultimately lead on helping others.”

Lazarus Mobility was founded by Mr Collins three years ago and has grown to become a leading supplier of numerous mobility aids.

The owner/manager is also working with Warwick University to design new and improved equipment for those experiencing mobility difficulties.

He said that his letter also highlighted that disability is not a barrier to achieving success.

“I explained that given my physical condition I was never expected to work, marry or drive, far less set up my own company,” Mr Collins continued.

“Through hard work and determination I have achieved all four and am extremely proud to now employ four people who otherwise might be having to live off the state.

“In the event, my letter appeared to have hit a chord with the PM because I was eventually advanced credit, my company was able to survive, and has now gone from strength to strength.”