In today’s economic climate it is encouraging to hear of a young businessman who cares about the community he lives in. Ben Hellowell is managing director of Just Care Products Ltd who provide mobility equipment and daily living aids for disabled and less abled people. A worthwhile business – even more so when you discover it’s Manx born MD is 18 years old. The showroom at Spring Valley Trading estate is now two months old and the future already looks bright. Ben believes that recession and hard times should not waylay young people from fulfilling their dreams in business. “The company was born out of conversations I’d had with disabled friends – both young and old -who felt there were a real lack of products available for them on the Island. “I’d always wanted to start up my own business and saw a real gap in the market that I knew I could fill. I empathised with my friends who said they had to travel to the UK for everything – and wanted to help while seeing the business potential. “I did all the research and there definitely was a lack of mobility equipment and daily living aids so the idea grew into a credible business model.” Ben has two excellent business mentors in his parents Gill and John Hellowell who run Strand Group and specialise in office cleaning, document destruction and secure archives. Ben continued:“I want to assist people to live in their homes for as long as possible and with the type of products available in today’s market this is becoming increasingly easier. “The showroom has made it easier to try out products before deciding on what’s best for you. It is often extremely difficult to go off Island to purchase a large item like a wheelchair so I hope we provide something really worthwhile for Island residents.” Since the opening of the business Ben has received good feedback from the public and his client list is expanding. “I had a good idea – and my aim is now to secure the foundations and nurture the business to grow. I know times are hard but that shouldn’t put young people off starting up their own business. If you have the motivation then believe in your idea and have a go.” Ben concluded: “I will never regret this decision - I think you just have to be bold about it. My overall aim is to do more and more for the community – and work closer with government departments in line with new legislation regarding disability. “I just want to provide top quality products along with top quality and friendly advice.” For more information about Just Care Products Ltd please contact Ben Hellowell on 627177 or justcareproducts@manx.net. -Ends-