Scunthorpe entrepreneur launches equine psychotherapy business following UKSE investment
A Scunthorpe-based entrepreneur has launched an equine-orientated therapeutic service centre after receiving £1000 from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund.
Business owner Joanne Wagstaff has over ten years’ clinical experience as a trained and accredited psychotherapist in the equine psychotherapy industry. The business is a therapeutic service for people of all ages who require emotional and/or psychological intervention.
Specialising in allowing individuals to solve their own problems given the right conditions to do so, Joanne has expanded her psychotherapist team to a team of three, whilst also investing in business support and web design services. Within the next three years, she is set to hire apprentices to create development and learning opportunities for young people to secure future employment.
Utilising the funding from UKSE Kickstart Fund, Joanne plans to invite key contacts to a demonstration that will showcase the interventions that she specialises in, alongside investing in marketing collateral and advertising.
Joanne said; “Horses have a unique ability to help clients increase emotional intelligence and increase self-awareness, as well as to develop resilience and aid self-regulation. The empowerment that I see some clients get from their sessions is unbelievable, and it is amazing to continue to do this on such a scale that can really change peoples’ lives.
Launched in February 2016 the UKSE Kickstart Fund – working in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council and the Growth Hub to support those looking to establish a business in the area – provides grants of between £500 and £1,000.
Applicants also receive help and advice from local Growth Hub advisors and the Economic Development team at North Lincolnshire Council.
Allan Wood of UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, said: “Sequoia Psychotherapy is really helping to change the lives of many individuals, and is a great example of what can be achieve by ambitious and passionate entrepreneurs who are looking to utilise their existing skills start up on their own.
“The company’s outlook is very promising and we will eagerly await its development over the coming months.”
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.