Lorraine Allman

With more than 20 years’ experience starting and running multiple businesses, Lorraine enjoys the opportunity to work with young people and inspire them to think creatively, pursue their dreams, and approach challenges with confidence.

After working on a Wales-wide arts education project, Lorraine launched her first ‘Google for Business’ company, followed by an online speed mentoring business (subsequently acquired). She then moved into working with families and schools for 12 years drawing on previous educational roles and supported parents and educators to nurture happy, creative, resilient and resourceful can-do children. She is author of ‘The Can-Do Child: Enriching the Everyday the Easy Way’ and ‘A Parent’s Guide to Easy, Screen-Free Activities Children Will Love’ with both books regularly featuring in the Amazon Kindle Top books for Family Activities and Parenting. Under Lorraine’s careful guidance, Can-Do Child® secured external investment and grew steadily following a re-brand with an expanded product range including apps, online learning, and activity cards with world-wide distribution. She delivered workshops and speeches both in the UK and Internationally, particularly in the Middle East.

In mid-2023, having taken Can-Do Child® as far as possible, Lorraine turned her attention to building a legacy business focused on sustainability, with a particular mission to eliminate plastic-waste generated from parties and celebrations. Following 9 months development, the online marketplace Party Without Plastic® launched in late Spring ’24. Within 7 months, the company beat off more than 1000 others to be named ‘People’s Choice’ after entering The Pitch UK, and is on track to expand going into 2025.   

Lorraine has been a role model for many years, and is happy to share both practical advice and  her journey to demonstrate the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning in today’s world. She is a strong advocate for innovation and sustainability, encouraging the next generation to build businesses that not only succeed financially but also contribute positively to society and the environment. She says:

"Believe in your ideas, stay curious, and never underestimate your potential to make a difference. Entrepreneurship is not just about making money; it’s about creating value, learning, and growing. Keep your mind open to feedback, learn from every experience, and remember that setbacks are simply stepping stones to success."