Darwen business praised by Prince Charles during Morecambe visit

Darwen-based electrician business, Elektec, were invited to Morecambe Community Fire Station on Friday, July 8, in order the meet the future king of England.

This is after the company was given a grant by the Prince's Trust, a charity that was founded by Prince Charles.

Carl and Charlotte Knowles

Owners Charlotte and Carl Knowles said it was a “proud day” for them and a chance to thank Prince Charles for all his Trust has given to them.

Charlotte said: “It was absolutely wonderful to meet him but very nerve-wracking.

“He spoke to us for two or three minutes and was very kind.

“He took an interest in our business, asked how many people we employed and he congratulated us on all we have achieved – we also had a chat about electric vehicles.”

After being made redundant in 2009, Carl decided to become self-employed and start his own business.

He reached out to the Prince's Trust which supplied him with a £1,500 grant along with a mentor to advise him on topics such as marketing, finance and setting up a website.

Thanks to the charity's help he set up his own electrical business and eventually founded Elektec in 2017, and now works with clients all across the North West.

Charlotte Knowles meeting Prince Charles (Image: Greenarc)

Charlotte said: “It truly was a once in a lifetime experience and we feel so lucky and grateful to be invited – we are so grateful to the Prince’s Trust for everything they’ve done for us.

“Carl and I are lucky to have a wonderful team of 15 staff and the ongoing support from our clients and community.”

Now their business is thriving, they continue to support the Trust by helping with The Prince’s Trust’s Team programme, which helps young people aged 16 to 25 gain new skills, meet new people, and take a qualification to help them move forward into work, further education or training.

The business regularly offers work experience and apprenticeships through local colleges and schools.

Carl said: “Meeting Prince Charles was such a proud day for us.

“The Prince’s Trust gave me the help and support I needed to become self-employed.

“Now that our business is established, it’s great to be able to support and give back to the Prince’s Trust so we can play a small part in helping them to change the lives of other young people.

“I would encourage any local businesses to get involved with the Prince’s Trust.”

Chris Peake, Director of Delivery for England at The Prince’s Trust, said: “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce Carl and Charlotte Knowles to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Founder and President of The Prince’s Trust, during his visit to Morecambe Fire Station on Friday.

“Carl was supported by The Prince’s Trust to set up a business in 2009, and now Carl and Charlotte, who co-own their electrical business Elektec, have shown immense generosity by volunteering their time and local business expertise to The Prince’s Trust.

“Elektec have created work placements for young people on The Prince’s Trust’s Team programme and Carl and Charlotte have personally delivered group mock-interviews and job application sessions, all of which has significantly helped the unemployed young people we support to build their confidence and skills and get ready for work.”

His Royal Highness visited Morecambe Fire Station today to mark 21 years of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) and The Prince’s Trust jointly delivering the Team programme. 

While at the fire station, His Royal Highness also met with young Lancashire people who have taken part in the Team programme.

Morecambe Fire Station is one of the nine sites where the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service deliver The Prince’s Trust’s Team programme.

Chief Fire Officer, Justin Johnston adds: “Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is delighted to host the Prince’s Trust programmes in Lancashire and it is a privilege to welcome His Royal Highness to Morecambe Fire Station.  

“Last year, we were immensely proud to have celebrated 20 years of the partnership with the Prince’s Trust. 

"Being able to support over 6,000 young people, act as role models and see the difference that it makes to people’s lives and our local communities is very humbling.  The difference we make in those short twelve weeks is huge and rewarding for all our staff involved in the delivery of the courses.” 

The Prince’s Trust helps young people all over the UK to build the confidence and skills to find employment. The youth charity has helped more than a million young people since it was founded in 1976 and three in four of those supported over the last five years have moved into work, education or training.