Jonathan became interested in the art of cocktail-making when, aged 18, he began working at a hotel near where he lived in Wrexham. It only had a small cocktail menu but it was enough to propel Jonathan through several jobs at renowned bars until he was headhunted by a large hospitality chain, only to be disappointed when the opportunities didn’t materialise.

Seek professional business advice. There are so many organisations out there that can help you – there’s no need to try and manage on your own.

Jonathan felt that from a young age all his expectations had been channelled in one direction. “Right from the beginning of school you’re told to get your GCSEs, then your A Levels, then your degree, all leading to that first job interview when you better knock their socks off otherwise you’ve got no chance...” For Jonathan to set up his mobile bar service, he needed to first break out of an old mindset and begin seeing that he could use his skills for
his own benefit.

Business Support Wales supported Jonathan in his efforts to redirect his thinking by providing him with a Graduate Start Up business mentor. Not only was he assisted in putting together a detailed business plan, he was also helped to tackle the administrative procedures involved in setting up a company – the form-
filling and phone calls that can be so off-putting for fledgling entrepreneurs.

“ To be honest, I got tired of waiting for the promotion I’d been promised. I began considering setting up my own business - my Dad had done it so why couldn’t I? It was hard to get over the fear though. The biggest barrier was myself.”