A teacher has transformed her passion for education into a thriving enterprise, as Business Wales assistance enables Llandrindod Learning Pod to launch and quickly grow its support for learners from a variety of backgrounds, including additional learning needs.
Angela Costain-Williams, who has over 25 years of teaching experience, created her service to provide flexible homeschooling support for all children including those with learning difficulties and special needs.
Business Wales has played a vital role in helping Angela meet soaring demand for her unique service offering flexible homeschooling for children aged 4 to 16, delivered in a space where children can attend teaching sessions tailored to their individual requirements and schedules.
With no previous experience of setting up a business, Angela turned to Business Adviser, Ian Harvey, who helped her develop a business plan, financial forecasts, and secure funding opportunities through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans Company.
Building on her teaching experience and insights from homeschooling her son, Angela was able to enhance her skillset by accessing a range of Business Wales webinars and marketing courses, giving her the tools she needed to launch successfully and rapidly grow her unique service.
Business Wales is now helping Angela scale her business sustainably to meet ongoing demand including support with recruiting and training a new apprentice to grow her team.
Commenting on the support she received from Business Wales, Angela said: “I’ve had experience spanning twenty-five years in the education system but had absolutely no idea where to start when opening my own business.
“Since the initial meeting, Ian has been a constant shoulder of support. From helping me to develop my business plan, to providing resources that allowed me to build the skills, confidence, and funding I needed to make the Learning Pod, he’s been there at every turn.”
Overwhelming demand from parents seeking personalised educational support for their children has seen sessions quickly reaching full capacity. Angela is now exploring larger premises to expand her offerings.
With ongoing support from Business Wales, Angela is now planning to expand into a new space with two dedicated teaching rooms designed to offer personalised, flexible learning in an environment tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Business Wales Adviser, Ian Harvey said: “Angela is extremely experienced having worked within the educational system for twenty five years. That expertise is only matched by her passion to create an inclusive environment for all that enables learners to thrive, regardless of background or ability.
“Angela came to me with the exact business she wanted to set up, she just needed assistance to do so. It’s great to see how quickly her business has grown in demand, and I look forward to seeing the Learning Pod’s continued success.”
