The Prince’s Trust entrepreneur programme has helped set up a Barkingside business.

The programme, founded in 1983 by Prince Charles, has helped over 58,000 young people turn their lives around in the last year, including Philipa Day, Barkingside.

The 26-year-old begun the programme in April 2017 and since then has opened up her own floristry business.

Philipa said: “I launched my business proposal in December 2017. The put me forward early. I think they thought I was ready.”

The day before her launch, Philipa was asked to arrange a display of flowers for the One Million Lives dinner, held at Buckingham Palace. She then attended the dinner and met celebrity guests including Idris Elba, Helen McCrory and Sir Ben Kingsley.

The dinner was hosted by Prince Charles as a thank you to all the donors to the charity.

Philipa said: “It was the best experience of my life. It was amazing.”

The programme is typically 12 months long and requires you to provide a business plan, cash flow for the following year and then a launch presentation at the end to present your business idea.

She added: “On the launch I was extremely extremely nervous.

“It was around the time of Christmas when I launched so I bought examples of some wreaths I had put together. One of the judges actually bought one after the launch.”

The charity aims to create brighter futures for younger people.

On the day of her launch, Philipa could then chose to accept a loan from the charity to help her start the business, or to accept a two year sponsorship where she could meet regularly with mentors and gain help on the financial element of the business.

She opted for the latter choice.

Philipa added: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Dreams do come true.

“I feel totally content and that I’m doing what I should be doing.”

The programme is open to anyone aged between 18 to 30 that has been unemployed for four months or more.

To find out more, visit www.princes-trust.org.uk and Philipa’s website here.