​The rising cost of living has had far-reaching consequences for all aspects of the UK economy. As of December 2021, inflation in the UK reached its highest recorded level in decades, with the UK Parliament noting that the consumer prices index (CPI) has risen as much as 5.4%, making it noticeably more difficult for the average UK citizen to purchase goods and services. Coinciding with the seemingly ever-rising cost of living, there has been an unforeseen effect on the self-employment market. Many small business owners are struggling to adjust their model to cope with the new status quo. The long-term consequences for the self-employment sector of the UK job market remain to be seen, but thousands are already feeling the pinch. The economic downturn has raised operating costs whilst simultaneously reducing the nation’s consumer confidence, which dropped to its lowest level in 13 months in February of 2022 according to Trading Economics, in direct response to heightened inflation.

Could you give us a quick overview of your role at Enterprise Exchange?    
I support participants with weekly calls by listening to them, helping them identify what they are struggling with and how we can support them best for their next steps with their business. 
 
What experience do you have which led you to work with Enterprise Exchange?   
My experience of supporting people with challenges, setting up and running my own business and my experience of online admin roles.  
 
Which aspect of your work do you enjoy most?  
Speaking with the participants and supporting them to move forwards along the program to achieve their goals with their businesses. 
 
When you're not supporting Enterprise Exchange what do you enjoy doing? 
Spending time with friends, being in the countryside, speaking Spanish, cooking, gardening, relaxing with meditation practice. 
 
Tea or coffee? Water
 
How can people best contact you? By my email at jess@enterpriseexchange.org.uk