top of page
Success stories.
Tom, Walsall
It's fair to say that when Tom spoke to his friends and family about doing gaming videos on YouTube in 2017, many thought it would make a nice hobby but he wouldn't make any money from it.
Tom's idea was a simple one: create videos surrounding gaming with his favourite PC game; Football Manager. He would follow similar content creators and complete not only walk throughs with a chosen team, concept or theme, but also post experiments, ideas, and tips and tricks of the game to help people and maybe even get some to start playing the game for themselves.
Since this creation five years ago, Tom has grown from a few hundred views and single digit subscribers on YouTube, to 30,000 subscribers and thousands of views per video which he uploads everyday. This is coupled with an active Twitch account with over 4,000 followers who actively donate to Tom so he can spend more time creating the streams, and a Patreon making over £1,000 per year for bonus content unavailable anywhere else.
With this success, Tom has now been able to reduce his hours at his 9-5 job as he is earning enough from YouTube to make up the difference. This has encouraged Tom to try and continue this success to eventually make YouTube his full-time job.
Tom's idea was a simple one: create videos surrounding gaming with his favourite PC game; Football Manager. He would follow similar content creators and complete not only walk throughs with a chosen team, concept or theme, but also post experiments, ideas, and tips and tricks of the game to help people and maybe even get some to start playing the game for themselves.
Since this creation five years ago, Tom has grown from a few hundred views and single digit subscribers on YouTube, to 30,000 subscribers and thousands of views per video which he uploads everyday. This is coupled with an active Twitch account with over 4,000 followers who actively donate to Tom so he can spend more time creating the streams, and a Patreon making over £1,000 per year for bonus content unavailable anywhere else.
With this success, Tom has now been able to reduce his hours at his 9-5 job as he is earning enough from YouTube to make up the difference. This has encouraged Tom to try and continue this success to eventually make YouTube his full-time job.
Shanice, Leicester: CFO3
"I've always loved fashion, and often wondered if I could make a career out of it despite my introverted nature. I wanted to showcase my personality through my fashion lines.
When I was referred to RIFT back in 2021 I'd begun to trade but had varied levels of success, but again my introverted nature made it hard for me to approach people and companies to collaborate with.
This changed when I had my first call with my Business Advisor, Ke. He outlined that the service provided would be led by me and that he would work to my schedule to ensure success. I explained my reservations due my introverted nature. He reassured me that we would focus on my strengths and work to ensure that I had the final say on all decisions. I felt empowered by this.
We worked together to completely revamp my website from top to bottom, including adding a sizing chart, updating my returns policy, and offering payment plan options by registering with Klarna and Clearpay. This gave my customers options to spread the costs, meaning they could have one of my fantastic pieces without the stress of worrying about paying the full amount straight away.
Following this, Ke offered advice and support on improving my social media, sourcing potential collaborations with like minded businesses, and implementing a competition to generate brand awareness and encourage increased visits to my website and profiles. I've since seen a growth in my sales, my social media has more views and interactions and I feel confident in my ability to move forward and make 2022 a success".
When I was referred to RIFT back in 2021 I'd begun to trade but had varied levels of success, but again my introverted nature made it hard for me to approach people and companies to collaborate with.
This changed when I had my first call with my Business Advisor, Ke. He outlined that the service provided would be led by me and that he would work to my schedule to ensure success. I explained my reservations due my introverted nature. He reassured me that we would focus on my strengths and work to ensure that I had the final say on all decisions. I felt empowered by this.
We worked together to completely revamp my website from top to bottom, including adding a sizing chart, updating my returns policy, and offering payment plan options by registering with Klarna and Clearpay. This gave my customers options to spread the costs, meaning they could have one of my fantastic pieces without the stress of worrying about paying the full amount straight away.
Following this, Ke offered advice and support on improving my social media, sourcing potential collaborations with like minded businesses, and implementing a competition to generate brand awareness and encourage increased visits to my website and profiles. I've since seen a growth in my sales, my social media has more views and interactions and I feel confident in my ability to move forward and make 2022 a success".
Joseph
Joseph was referred to us with his idea of 3d printing. He was printing decorative animals which had a slight steampunk vibe to them.
He already had the set up with the printer and had an Etsy page, but this had limited sales (mainly to friends and family) and he suffered with some confidence and self-esteem issues with this and thought he was going to fail.
The main areas of support we offered was to plot out his business plan, where Joseph could take a reflective look at his business, identify goals and targets, and then focus on the positives he has made so far.
We then sourced him some business cards to use for networking at events and conventions, and then focused on using Social Media to gain brand awareness and potential sales. Joseph attended our Social Media awareness webinar which helped him understand not only when to post but also showing different content.
We specifically worked on TikTok as it allowed Joseph to use a video to showcase all aspects of his business, whilst also using the right hashtags. For example, we have shown videos of his failures, including when a print has gone wrong as this has shown it’s one person running this business and they have full responsibility.
As a result of this one of his videos of a timelapse has currently 530,000 views and steadily growing. He’s also been working in collaboration to create Pokémon themed Christmas decorations and also 3d printed a replica of the World Cup on the day of the opening ceremony, and on our advice, has been promoting these not only on Social Media but also on specific forums.
As a result of this Joseph has recorded his highest levels of sales since he began and it’s meant he was able to purchase a second printer to keep up with the demand. Joseph has said how excited he is for 2023 as there will be challenges but also opportunities.
He already had the set up with the printer and had an Etsy page, but this had limited sales (mainly to friends and family) and he suffered with some confidence and self-esteem issues with this and thought he was going to fail.
The main areas of support we offered was to plot out his business plan, where Joseph could take a reflective look at his business, identify goals and targets, and then focus on the positives he has made so far.
We then sourced him some business cards to use for networking at events and conventions, and then focused on using Social Media to gain brand awareness and potential sales. Joseph attended our Social Media awareness webinar which helped him understand not only when to post but also showing different content.
We specifically worked on TikTok as it allowed Joseph to use a video to showcase all aspects of his business, whilst also using the right hashtags. For example, we have shown videos of his failures, including when a print has gone wrong as this has shown it’s one person running this business and they have full responsibility.
As a result of this one of his videos of a timelapse has currently 530,000 views and steadily growing. He’s also been working in collaboration to create Pokémon themed Christmas decorations and also 3d printed a replica of the World Cup on the day of the opening ceremony, and on our advice, has been promoting these not only on Social Media but also on specific forums.
As a result of this Joseph has recorded his highest levels of sales since he began and it’s meant he was able to purchase a second printer to keep up with the demand. Joseph has said how excited he is for 2023 as there will be challenges but also opportunities.
Marshall, Doncaster: CFO3
Marshall has not had the best start in life, leaving his family home at 14 years old, spending a few years sleeping on the streets, in and out of prison for low level crimes, he then started a family, but the chaos and challenges followed. After his last spell in prison, which was 4 years, Marshall has had time to reflect on what he wanted to do with his life. Starting with a few hundred pounds and then continued to save until he had enough money to start his removal business, he didn’t want to take out a loan and he didn’t have support from family financially, which meant he had to save.
After expressing an interest in becoming self-employed, Marshall contacted RIFT social enterprise. Following an initial assessment, Marshall was then sent information on how to take the next steps in becoming self-employed which included legal structures, a business started guide, information on insurances that would work best for his business, and general advice from a business start-up advisor. Working with his allocated business Start-up advisor, Marshall was able to identify and build on his strengths and was able to focus on his initial business idea. Together we worked on the areas which could help him further develop his business idea, such as operations and logistics. RIFT social enterprise was also able to get D Marshall his first set of business cards printed and posted to him for free, which he then used as part of his marketing plan to help promote his service when networking or providing quotations to potential customers.
Marshall launched his removal business beginning of 2022 and was blown away with the amount of business he has had come his way. So much so that since launching he didn’t have a single day off for the first Six weeks and had to turn down work due to so much demand. His biggest job since launching was a home which sold for £1.3Million, it took him just 2 days and 10 trips! When asked by RIFT Social Enterprise business start-up advisor Ke what he was most proud of, Marshall replied:
“Not letting my past effect my future and knowing there is support out there if you want it”
Marshall is a hard-working passionate business owner, and we know he will go from strength to strength with his work ethic, and the fulfillment he gets from doing what he loves and the flexibility it gives him.
After expressing an interest in becoming self-employed, Marshall contacted RIFT social enterprise. Following an initial assessment, Marshall was then sent information on how to take the next steps in becoming self-employed which included legal structures, a business started guide, information on insurances that would work best for his business, and general advice from a business start-up advisor. Working with his allocated business Start-up advisor, Marshall was able to identify and build on his strengths and was able to focus on his initial business idea. Together we worked on the areas which could help him further develop his business idea, such as operations and logistics. RIFT social enterprise was also able to get D Marshall his first set of business cards printed and posted to him for free, which he then used as part of his marketing plan to help promote his service when networking or providing quotations to potential customers.
Marshall launched his removal business beginning of 2022 and was blown away with the amount of business he has had come his way. So much so that since launching he didn’t have a single day off for the first Six weeks and had to turn down work due to so much demand. His biggest job since launching was a home which sold for £1.3Million, it took him just 2 days and 10 trips! When asked by RIFT Social Enterprise business start-up advisor Ke what he was most proud of, Marshall replied:
“Not letting my past effect my future and knowing there is support out there if you want it”
Marshall is a hard-working passionate business owner, and we know he will go from strength to strength with his work ethic, and the fulfillment he gets from doing what he loves and the flexibility it gives him.
George, The Growth Company
From Vision to Victory: Celebrating George’s Entrepreneurial Triumph.
George is a creative individual, referred to us by the Growth Company in July this year, for support to start his own tattooing business.
He’s demonstrated a true entrepreneurial spirit and dedication since working with us, and combined with the guidance of our Business Start-Up Advisor, Rhys, George has transformed his vision into a thriving business venture.
Rhys explains, “When we started working together, George was finding it difficult to convert his followers to sales, and increase awareness of his business, so I knew we needed to create a solid foundation for him.”
Here are some of the key milestones of his journey so far:
Strategic Social Media Engagement
George worked hard with Rhys’s help to understand how to leverage the different social media platforms, to connect with his target audience. He started to capitalise on the interactive features of stories, using them to respond to ideas, gather feedback on designs, and address factors affecting sales, increasing his earning potential.
Diversifying Sales Channels
George has started mind-mapping various locations to sell his products, identifying Tattoo conventions as a unique and lucrative avenue, which in turn help him reach and grow a broader audience.
Inclusivity in Product Range
To enhance inclusivity, George implemented the idea of offering larger sizes in his clothing range. This strategic move not only broadened the customer base but also promoted a more inclusive and diverse brand image.
At RIFT Social Enterprise, we believe in empowering individuals like George to turn their dreams into reality, one successful venture at a time and we congratulate George on his achievements so far, and look forward to witnessing the continued growth of his entrepreneurial journey.
George is a creative individual, referred to us by the Growth Company in July this year, for support to start his own tattooing business.
He’s demonstrated a true entrepreneurial spirit and dedication since working with us, and combined with the guidance of our Business Start-Up Advisor, Rhys, George has transformed his vision into a thriving business venture.
Rhys explains, “When we started working together, George was finding it difficult to convert his followers to sales, and increase awareness of his business, so I knew we needed to create a solid foundation for him.”
Here are some of the key milestones of his journey so far:
Strategic Social Media Engagement
George worked hard with Rhys’s help to understand how to leverage the different social media platforms, to connect with his target audience. He started to capitalise on the interactive features of stories, using them to respond to ideas, gather feedback on designs, and address factors affecting sales, increasing his earning potential.
Diversifying Sales Channels
George has started mind-mapping various locations to sell his products, identifying Tattoo conventions as a unique and lucrative avenue, which in turn help him reach and grow a broader audience.
Inclusivity in Product Range
To enhance inclusivity, George implemented the idea of offering larger sizes in his clothing range. This strategic move not only broadened the customer base but also promoted a more inclusive and diverse brand image.
At RIFT Social Enterprise, we believe in empowering individuals like George to turn their dreams into reality, one successful venture at a time and we congratulate George on his achievements so far, and look forward to witnessing the continued growth of his entrepreneurial journey.
Martin H
Martin first came to RIFT Social Enterprise in September, with an idea of starting his own painting and decorating business, after being made redundant from the same industry. Martin has bee a painter and decorator for most of his working life.
Martin has never been self-employed before and did not know the how to take the first step into turning his dream into a reality. After an initial one-to-one, we came up with a strategic plan to help turn Martins idea into a viable business.
We supported Martin to create a business plan and a marketing strategy, as well as look at the required insurances. Once applying and obtaining his UTR number we were able to get Martin his first set of business cards printed and sent to him for free, which has helped him generate more business.
Martin has been a pleasure to work with, and it is great to see his confidence go from strength to strength. He has shown appreciation for the support he has received from us, which makes us not only feel proud of Martin, but also about what we do for a living.
Martin has never been self-employed before and did not know the how to take the first step into turning his dream into a reality. After an initial one-to-one, we came up with a strategic plan to help turn Martins idea into a viable business.
We supported Martin to create a business plan and a marketing strategy, as well as look at the required insurances. Once applying and obtaining his UTR number we were able to get Martin his first set of business cards printed and sent to him for free, which has helped him generate more business.
Martin has been a pleasure to work with, and it is great to see his confidence go from strength to strength. He has shown appreciation for the support he has received from us, which makes us not only feel proud of Martin, but also about what we do for a living.
bottom of page