Testimonials
​

We are so happy to have seen such amazing results from the support we offer. Here are some of our favourites:
​

​'Also wanted to say thank you for all your work/support. The referral process has been great and I know my participants are getting lots of value working with EE'
Support Manager at Shaw Trust

"My case manager Guy has been encouraging, empathetic, and insightful. Enterprise Exchange give crucial advice on practical details, and provide guidance for creativity and resilience in life situations that impact the business. The support from Enterprise Exchange will enable me to earn a living through a rewarding business that can be flexible to suit my life circumstances, and that I can sustain and grow for the long term. Also important for me, is that I can find a way to ‘give back’ to the community through my work – potentially via a social enterprise - through the advice I am receiving from Enterprise Exchange."
Self-employment course participant

"My business advisor is very lovely and helpful. I have Asperger's' so it is difficult for me to understand things properly, however she explained things in a clear manner for me to understand."
Self-employment course participant 

"So far the course is amazing, it’s opened my eyes to so much more and prepared me more than I ever thought would be possible and I’m looking forward to the rest of the sessions and help to further my knowledge before my business idea becomes a reality."
Self-employment course participant, Surrey

"I was a bit sceptical about doing a business course as I felt it would take me from the direction I am for on my business venture, but it didn't it actually opened up a network of venture that could or would benefit myself and others."
Self-employment course participant, Wembley  

"I found the content of the course to be to the point and concise, the facilitator made the information easy to understand and it was presented in a manner that made it interesting. Overall the course was both enjoyable and informative."
Self-employment course participant, Kent 

"I found the facilitator to be very Knowledgeable and approachable. His general manner and method helped instil people with confidence in their own ideas."
Self-employment course participant, Kent 

"Every part of this course was great, I learnt so much I really did. I actually feel I have a future and I know it’s achievable and I know how to get there." 
HMP course participant, Birmingham

"This programme has made it possible for me to have my own business, it has not only given me the knowledge but has also given me the confidence to go for it and make my business a success."
Thames Valley Housing course participant 

"I had two of my customers attend the workshop. I have had really good feedback from them, they found it very helpful and feel motivated to reach their goals and work on their action plans."
DP, Shaw Trust Advisor, Wembley

"Quick, easy, straight to the point. Very clear and direct."
NP, Hyde Housing, London

"Enterprise Exchange’s positive and informed session was one of the highlights of Big Week of Work 2012 in Eastbourne. They have given their time and expertise to be part of the Eastbourne partnership event and we really appreciate their contribution."​​
JS, Skills and Employability Advisor, Eastbourne

"Phil’s training session was excellent, well delivered and highly informative. I highly recommend this session to others. Ten out of ten."
The Bridge Community Education Centre, Brighton

"Phil and Benna are the Starsky & Hutch of vocational training. Simple no nonsense, practical guide to self-employment, delivered clearly, with humour and empathy."
Shaw Trust participant, Wembley

"My Business Advisor was very professional, in the way he was teaching, and he was very clear to explain, everything  that we needed to know, I found him very supportive, and helped me to gain, a lot of confidence to start up, my own company."
Course participant

"Easy to understand and lots of helpful information. Enjoyable and relaxed, not like other courses that are stifled where you are just taking notes or listening to a PowerPoint presentation. Engaging and interactive."
MG, Guildford Probation 

​"Enterprise Exchange opened my eyes to the possibility of setting up my own business, which I thought was impossible in my circumstances. They have been helpful in terms of knowledge, guidance and advice. They advised me as to the necessary things to do, with regards to business set up." 
APA, Shaw Trust participant, Wembley

"My personal view is that the role of Enterprise Exchange in prison is vital and a catalyst to an effective rehabilitation that some prisoners need. Your role also enthuses them not to be dependent on someone else to provide them employment on release." 
AB, Chief Executive, UK Resettlement, Maidstone 

"Great help with mission statement, finding a unique selling point and executive summary. Really inspirational to the point I almost completed my business plan and came up with more than half of a pitch for potential clients."
JF, Hyde Housing, London 

“I would just like to thank Benna McCartney from Enterprise Exchange for three brilliant telephone sessions. The many reflective skills she used to cut through the pile of issues I was facing were extremely helpful. I particularly found 'mind mapping' and our subsequent discussions to identify my core values/purpose for future employment, really useful. I have left my sessions with a sense of openness, a newfound trust in allowing myself to respond to opportunities as they arise, and clarity. Thank you so much – wonderful!”
CD, Coast to Capital participant, West Sussex 

"Clear, practical, inspirational. Very personable workshop leader. Step by step stages in understandable chunks."
Denne Construction Company, Brighton

"Every part of this course was great, I learnt so much I really did. I actually feel I have a future and I know it’s achievable and I know how to get there."
"The course showed us that although the task of starting a business is daunting, its manageable and the resources and help is out there where required."
"It was good being able to ask any questions you like, also when Phil would refer to us individually he would talk about our specific companies to give us a good idea."
"I have enjoyed all of the course. Phil puts things over in a simple but effective and relaxed way. I even overcame my shyness to stand in front of everyone. A course that should be repeated."
HMP self-employment course participants, Birmingham

"I’ve worked alongside Phil and Benna for a few years now and the thing that strikes you most about them is their passion and enthusiasm. They really care about the people they work with and this, coupled with their knowledge of the sectors they work within, helps them achieve some high quality results.  Both are excellent, natural coaches and communicators and they constantly strive to improve their skills to further assist and positively impact on their clients."
SD, Director, Development Garden, Hastings 

“The course gave me awareness of what’s out there. My self-confidence built up as did self-esteem, and I met an amazing tutor who didn’t make me feel intimidated by the course. I also met like-minded people who are prepared to give it a go.”
NS, Hyde Housing, London 

"The course was very motivating and inspiring. Even with juggling two babies I managed to create a business and a not for profit social club (250 members) - and that was mostly down to your course boosting my confidence and giving me a kick start in the right direction. I’ve received many awards and we are still growing! It’s still hard work but I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t have made it to this point without attending your course!"
MM, Hyde Housing participant, Brighton 

"Enterprise Exchange has proven to be more than them simply fulfilling a contract, as the directors bring so much more with them. Their connections within the business community, their understanding of the challenges faced by offenders and their commitment to supporting those with whom they work, both inside and outside the prison, bring valuable resources to the partnership working within HMP Lewes."
JO, Resettlement Partnership Manager, HMP Lewes (Retired)

“I think the course itself is potentially life changing with regard to information given.” “The course was engaging and interactive and the small group was ideal for me.” “Phil presented very well, he had good knowledge and was clear and concise.” “The tutor’s outgoing personality made it very easy to take everything in and stay alert.”
Guildford Probation participants​

"The course gives you confidence and shows you how make the steps to a better life."
"I learnt a lot on this course. Can't wait to move business idea forward, great people too."
"Good experience to learn about creating your own business."
"Very good course, I learnt how to set up a business."
JCP participants, Milton Keynes

"Out of the 5 years in prison the Enterprise Exchange program has been the most useful one I have attended and the one in which I am most grateful for, as it is the one that has been largely responsible for me becoming a success. If this program was run in more prisons and more often I am sure the amount of people that re-offend and return to prison would reduce drastically."
CE, HMP course participant, Lewes 

"In terms of my experience, I was surprised by how the modest amount of support I've given, has helped the individual to move forward with their plans. I found the challenge of helping them look for marketing and promotional solutions on a very small budget particularly rewarding, as it was so different from the daily marketing challenges faced in my daily role working for a large corporate. Being quite a rational person, the element of mentoring that I was most anxious about, was providing the emotional support for my mentee. In reality, this wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be and has helped me be a better listener, but also understand the effect of the individual's emotional issues. However, the experience that I've found most rewarding, is seeing the renewed enthusiasm and confidence in my mentee."
IW, Legal & General Mentor, Hove

"High quality training/experiential learning which equips mentors not only for mentoring but also brings those skills back in house, which adds value and informs their day job. This program supports our behaviours e.g. ‘taking a wider interest’ and ‘how’ we perform in our roles. There is also potential to link to Learning and Development ‘talent‘ programmes."  
FB, Senior Manager, Legal & General, Hove 

“I really enjoyed it and felt personally I got a lot out of it. It made me think massively about my management style and my personal life in a positive way.”
“I think the training was a real eye opener, it gave me a whole different perspective on mentoring/coaching. I have also become a bit more confident when dealing with day to day situations.”
SA, John Lewis Mentor, Milton Keynes (Feedback from work colleagues)

"I learnt a lot about business marketing and advertising, how to think about your customers and therefore deliver your product to them."
Course participant 

​"I would like to thank you for providing the self-employment workshop. The feedback we had from the students was that the session was interactive and relevant to what they wanted to do. They all came away with renewed energy and feeling closer to starting their own business."
MFB, Maximus Business Manager, Milton Keynes 

"I am hearing some great feedback from the customers in respect of the workshop in Leicester. They are really enjoying it and obtaining good information and ideas from you. Thanks again."
RP, Shaw Trust, Central Region 

"The course is fantastic, well presented, enough breaks and participation of attendees. No pressure relaxed atmosphere, encouraging."
Let's Do Business Group Lewes participants, Lewes, East Sussex​

"I have left my sessions with a sense of openness,  a newfound trust in allowing myself to respond to opportunities as they arise, and clarity."
Southern Housing course participant

"Really enjoyable course that was filled with lots of valuable information, PA is an excellent trainer, very down to earth and explaining things very clearly. Lots of helpful tips were given."
Southern Housing course participant ​

"The course opened my eyes to what was available to me as someone who is on benefits, transitioning into self-employment didn't think this was possible before the course." 
Southern Housing course participant

"I would recommend the course to anyone looking for business support amazing!"
Self-employment course participant, Birmingham

"Great course, definitely very enterprising, very knowledgeable, I learnt so much that I didn't know before!"
Course participant

The tutor Phil Ashford shined like a superstar throughout the journey making the course rather appealing & his enthusiastic manner made all those who lacked confidence feel welcomed thus comfortable. I wish there was more programmes like this for the general public so people can feel more encouraged to go into self-employment. 
Self-employment course participant, Milton Keynes

"My business advisor has been very helpful, showing financial avenues, running a business and putting myself out there."
Course participant

"I’m so glad I took the support and advice from Enterprise exchange. It’s given me so much information and the people working with me were very supporting and pushed me to believe in myself" 
​Self-employment course participant, London

"Was amazing! I learnt so much and feel ready to become self employed which I’d never have tried if I wasn’t accepted for this course. It’s been truly life changing." 
Self-employment course participant, Brighton