News / media
Enham client makes the final ten in Barclays Trading Places Awards
9 October 2009
Paul McDonald, from Worthing, is one of ten national finalists nervously waiting to hear the results of the Barclays Trading Places Awards, with the event to be held in London on 13 October.
Now in their fifth year, these national Awards recognise men and women from all over the UK who have changed their lives for the better by setting up a business. Paul is a finalist with his own music business, Cravin Tunez, a music event management company based in Worthing which represents bands, DJ’s and producers within the music industry.
Paul’s journey to self employment wasn’t easy. Aged 12, Paul was playing on a local train line when he had the misfortune of losing his right arm in a near fatal train accident in which he was dragged under the moving train. Despite his disability, Paul went on to study a music course and had a variety of temporary work contracts but nothing that seemed permanent. With his love of music, he sought the help of the team at his local job centre who put Paul in touch with Enham. One of Enham’s Business Advisors, John Fox, met with Paul and helped him to develop his ideas for his own business, creating a business plan for Cravin Tunez and putting his plans into action.
Cravin Tunez has now been operating for three years, providing a platform for all musicians from all genres to perform to bigger crowds by expressing, promoting, and harnessing their musical talent. Paul also organises an annual Battle of the Bands competition, with bands competing from across the South. Money raised goes to charities which highlight railway safety and awareness. Paul is passionate about this adding ‘We pay a lot of attention to highlighting the dangers of "messin" around on the railways to young people through music. It’s an important message for the young people of every generation.’
Paul’s business, Cravin Tunez is now a successful business, representing young people who want to work in the music world. John Fox, Enham’s Business Advisor summed up by saying ‘Paul really impressed me with his approach to business. He puts a lot of time into his charity work, supporting railway safety causes and has turned his injury into a positive theme and message for his work, while providing a valuable platform for young people in new bands. He gives back to society in such a positive way and that’s why I put him forward for the Barclays Trading Places awards. Everyone at Enham is rooting for him to win!’
Audio File: Partnership Liaison Manager Michael Steel talks to Paul McDonald on Unity 101 radio
