A FAMILY business that helped get its start thanks to help from the Prince's Trust is now helping to give opportunities to the next generation.

Elektec, based in Darwen, is run by husband and wife Carl and Charlotte Knowles who managed to get their vision off the ground thanks to support from the Trust over ten years ago when the charity provided Mr Knowles with a loan to start his own company after being made redundant at the age of 22.

Since then, the electricals firms has won the BIBAs 2021 Construction Business of the Year award, been presented Mayoral Award by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen for “outstanding contribution to the community” and has been recognised as a national success story by the Prince's Trust, which the company is now supporting in turn.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Charlotte and Carl Knowles

Mr Knowles said: "It is an honour to be recognised nationally by the Prince’s Trust.

"I wanted to put this recognition to use and give back to the Trust, to show my appreciation and gratitude for everything they have personally done for me.

"I hope that Elektec’s input and support can play a small part in helping to inspire local young people to achieve their full potential."

As such Electek is now supporting the12 week Team Programme for young people, which is led by Shona Paton of Blackburn Prince's Trust.

During week one, the company will meet the participants and talk to them about their journey.

In week nine, they will help the young people with their CVs, conducting mock interviews with them and during week 12 they will attend the final ceremony celebrations where the young people are given certificates recognising their achievements.

Finance manager Charlotte Knowles said: "It would be great if other local businesses could get involved in supporting the Trust too.

"From providing work experience opportunities, to sponsoring community projects and so on, Shona and her team are a pleasure to work with and the young people are fantastic."

Mrs Knowles has also said that the company is interested in accepting applications for a new qualified electrician.

To find out more, call 01254 775804, while Blackburn Prince's Trust can be contacted on 01254 844524.