A 27-YEAR-OLD who set up her own childcare agency has said the support she received from The Prince's Trust and Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, was invaluable.

Clare Hale was made redundant from her marketing job and decided that rather than find another job, she'd launch her own business.

She had worked as an au-pair in the USA and as a nanny during her time at university, and decided to turn this experience into the basis for a business.

She turned to the Prince's Trust for help who, along with Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, decided to back her new venture.

The Prince's Trust helped with a grant and also the services of a volunteer business mentor, an experienced business person who helps the fledgling business during the difficult first few months.

"I knew the business well and was confident about making it work," said Mrs Hale, who set up the Bromsgrove-based business, Holly's House, in October 2002.

The Prince's Trust Business Division helps young people, between the ages of 18 and 30, to set up their own business.

Anyone in Herefordshire and Worcestershire with a new business idea they would like to discuss can call Alex Lamb or Anne Grosvenor for an initial chat on 01905 27727.