Ramsay backs employment initiative for disabled entrepreneurs » Communities » 24dash.com

Gordon Ramsay says more disabled people should have the opportunity to become chefs and run a business.

The top TV chef is backing Ready to Start, an initiative run by Leonard Cheshire Disability in partnership with Barclays, which has helped 200 disabled people start their own business since launching in October two years ago.

Gordon Ramsay said: “Initiatives like Ready to Start play a vital role in empowering disabled people to realise their dreams of running their own business in the food industry. The choice of restaurants and places to eat today is phenomenal so the competition’s really intense. That’s why the right support and advice is essential for them to succeed.

“The barriers disabled people face like finding work still exist and why should someone with a passion for food be constrained by their disability? For many people self employment is the only viable option and that’s why what Leonard Cheshire Disability is doing is so important.”

David Courtney-Jones from Barry in South Wales is a Ready to Start client, master caterer and executive consultant chef.

He has been head chef at three top Cardiff hotels and now focuses on setting up new and existing catering premises as well as specialising in fine dining. He has worked on assignments which have taken him all over the world.

As part of Ready to Start David has fine tuned his business know how to pursue success, he said: “Chefs don’t always have a good grasp of how to run a business. Leonard Cheshire Disability has helped me to understand the principles of managing that successfully. Ready to Start has that live element which means I’ve been supported by a specialist who’s treated me as an individual and focuses on my abilities, not my disability.”

David has been able to grow his business acumen thanks to support from Martin Moore, Ready to Start Regional Co-ordinator for Wales.

Martin said: “I find it a very rewarding role, no matter what the business, if you see people succeed and you’ve had input into that, it’s a good feeling. I’m constantly astounded by the vigour and enthusiasm of the people who show up; they have a tremendous determination to succeed. Many disabled people find working for themselves an ideal way to earn a living as you can choose to work from home and arrange hours that suit you.”

Self employment is a workable option for disabled people, particularly as they still face unacceptable barriers to entering the job market and are more likely than non-disabled people to live in poverty.

Ready to Start offers disabled entrepreneurs a business buddy, distance mentor, free computer equipment and software, training courses tailored to their needs, start-up advice and information about relevant trade bodies and business associations to help them network locally.

Alan Hands, Barclays Sponsorship and Donations Manager, said: “With over 1,000 people now registered on the Ready to Start Programme we are seeing a wide range of new business ideas. The catering industry is just one of many where disabled people are making significant inroads with the support of Ready to Start. The programme is having a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of these entrepreneurs.”

Ready to Start operates in 27 towns and cities across England and Wales.