Art49 - Enterprise UK Ambassador

For Immediate Release

Date:

Leeds based artist chosen as inspirational role model for Enterprise UK

Samantha Hodgson, a Leeds based artist and founder of Art49, has been appointed as an official Ambassador for Enterprise UK, the national campaign to unlock the UK’s enterprise potential.

Enterprise UK Ambassadors are a key part of the campaign and play an important role in supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing their skills and experience in business. The campaign, which aims to inspire people to have ideas and make them happen, supports enterprising people and recognises that making money and having a positive social impact can go hand in hand.

Following a long career in banking Samantha, mother of two young children, turned her passion for art into a business when she launched Art49. She now uses her inspiration from nature to create original hand-painted pieces of art. Through her role as an Ambassador Samantha will play a vital part in Enterprise UK’s year-round campaign to unlock the country’s enterprise potential. As an example of an entrepreneur who is already making her idea happen, Samantha will engage present and future entrepreneurs by sharing her expertise and experience with others.

Launched in September 2008, Art49 has already sold over 60 of Samantha’s paintings, creating exclusive works that will compliment both residential and commercial interiors. Customers include private individuals, businesses and a leading national furniture accessories supplier. In addition Samantha is hosting her second art exhibition ‘Reflecting Light’ at Shine, Leeds in June.

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Samantha, who is looking forward to supporting Enterprise UK, said: “It takes a lot to start a business, even more so when you’ve left a successful career and decided to follow your dream and ultimately turn a passion into a profit. Before my journey started I needed the confidence to kick-start my business – I got this through the support and advice that I took from a wonderful network of business contacts as well as my husband, family and friends. Being able to do the same for individuals looking to change their life and run their own business is why becoming an Enterprise UK Ambassador is so important to me.”

“Being in a position to share my story and inspire others is a great privilege and if I can also help provide guidance and practical advice then that’s even better.”

Ambassadors support the campaign by speaking or representing Enterprise UK at events and partners’ events, leading workshops and acting as judges in Enterprise UK competitions including the Make Your Mark Challenge and Make Your Mark with a Tenner.

Head of Enterprise UK, Yorkshire and Humber, Jane Walton said: “Samantha is a great example of someone who has taken a passion and turned it into a successful business. Samantha’s achievements in such a short space of time are testament to her talent and her growing confidence to drive her business forward. Samantha’s journey will certainly be an inspiration to those looking to develop their own business idea and start their enterprise journey.”

Enterprise UK, Ambassador Manager Eimear Hale, said: “An Enterprise UK Ambassador is someone who can use their experience to inspire others and encourage them to turn their ideas into reality. Ambassadors are central to the campaign’s aim of increasing entrepreneurial motivation and experience. Samantha will join a network of entrepreneurs, who together will inspire people across the UK to take the plunge and make their ideas happen.”

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For media enquiries please contact: Lindsey Davies or Emma Lupton of Open Communications.

tel: 01924 862477 email: Lindsey.davies@opencomms.co.uk or Emma.lupton@opencomms.co.uk

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Enterprise UK

Enterprise UK gives people the skills, confidence and ambition to be enterprising, through four programmes of work promoting enterprise for now and for the future, globally and locally.

It was founded as a campaigning organisation in 2004 by the British Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses. Back then their name was Enterprise Insight. It is primarily funded by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), and Peter Jones is Chair. It is best known for running the Make Your Mark campaign, which encourages enterprising activity amongst young people, and co-founding Global Entrepreneurship Week.

www.enterpriseuk.org

For more information on Enterprise UK Ambassadors visit: www.enterpriseuk.org/inspiring_stories

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