Bromgrove woman's story set to inspire others - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromgrove woman's story set to inspire others

Bromsgrove Editorial 27th Nov, 2014 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

A BROMSGROVE woman has been nominated for a royal accolade after turning her life around with the help of The Prince’s Trust.

Hannah Caswell, 30, was announced as the runner-up of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Enterprise Award at The Prince’s Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success Awards held at Aston Villa Football Club on Tuesday (November 25).

Hannah was born with Spina Bifida and at 23 was diagnosed with a tethered spinal cord and temporarily lost the use of her legs.

The mother-of-two has been commended for making the most of a bad situation.




In the space of three years Hannah not only overcame her father’s death and her own illness but also had the strength to end an abusive relationship, battle meningitis and start her own company.

Hannah worked as a web designer for five years before it became impossible for her to balance her work with ongoing health issues, spinal operations and childcare.


She was left in a situation where her only income came from online trading and benefits so she decided her best option was to go self-employment.

Hannah contacted The Prince’s Trust to enrol on the Enterprise programme – a course which helps unemployed young people set up their own business.

Hannah said the course gave her the support and guidance, she needed to start a web design business from home called Marketing Makeovers, the Midlands’ first specialist website redesign company.

Empowered by her new direction Hannah ended her relationship and turned her life around. And, despite having to undergo further surgery quickly met her original business plan and proved herself to be a strong and talented entrepreneur with a sharp eye for detail.

Hannah had to have two further operations in October 2014 with the second ending in her contracting meningitis and becoming extremely poorly.

Despite, everything which has happened, Hannah said she was thrilled to able to balance her health issues and childcare responsibilities with work, and is determined to develop her business even further.

“When I was at a loss where to start a business, The Prince’s Trust was there for me,” she added.

“I’m now able to earn a living doing something I love and it’s all thanks to their support.

“It’s great to be runner-up for this award.”

Mark Round, from RBS, said: “On Behalf on all at RBS I would like to congratulate Hannah for being honoured in this award category.

“It is young people like Hannah that remind us why investing in the country’s young entrepreneurs is so important.

“We hope Hannah’s story will encourage other young people to consider self-employment.”

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