News / media
Enham awards Disabled Entrepreneur
28 January 2008
As a disabled, single mother, Sheila Davenport from Lincolnshire, has had to juggle her work and family life. But despite the difficulties she’s faced, she has built up a profitable and growing business. Disability charity Enham, and RADAR, the disability network, recognised Sheila’s achievements at a recent awards ceremony.
For the second year running, Enham sponsored the Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which is part of RADAR’s People of the Year Human Rights Awards. The award highlights those people who have demonstrated a personal flair when approaching business challenges and whose vision and ability has enabled them to release their full potential.
Sheila, contracted polio at the age of one and has had to have extensive surgery on her right leg, making it difficult for her to walk. Determined to overcome her disability, Sheila set up Indofex, a company which specialises in organising food and drink festivals, in 1996. When she started the company from her bedroom, Sheila had just £10 in capital - ten years on her annual sales total over £130,000.
Mike Smith, Chief Executive of Enham, says, “With 11 million disabled people living in Britain, it’s vital that those people who have made a significant contribution to furthering the rights of disabled people are recognised. Despite the difficulties she faced, Sheila has created and sustained a successful business, proving that it is possible. We hope that Sheila’s story will inspire other disabled people to achieve their vision.”
Sheila says, “My determination to succeed meant that I sometimes had to take paperwork into hospital with me in order to keep my business going. This was a particularly difficult time for me both physically and emotionally but always at the front of my mind was my determination to succeed. My disability has also given me an insight into the challenges faced by disabled exhibitors and visitors. It’s made me determined to ensure that I deliver a comfortable and experience for all.”
Useful websites:www.enham.org,ukwww.radar.org.uk
