Monkey business is the way forward for Blackpool entrepreneur

Jake Adams, 18, who won the BIBAs award for most inspiring young person of the year last September, has just returned from a major international conference for young business people in Canada.

His own business Creative Prints, based at Claremont First Step Community Centre in Dickson Road, has recently expanded its range of services.

Not only does it offer a variety of printing services for local businesses on paper, it now also carries out large format printing and banners under the title Monkey Banners.

Jake targeted the budget end of the market for companies who needed flyers, posters, promotional material and business cards after spotting a gap in the market while helping his mum one day at work.

He said: “Things are going very well, I have another person working for me now and we are constantly busy.

“The new line is called Monkey Banners. We offer quality large-format printing at very affordable prices.

“There is a whole range of things companies need these days, PVC and mesh banner material, roller banners, exhibition stands, self adhesive vinyl, two way vinyl, digitally printed wallpaper and rigid materials.

“We offer a range of packages. People can upload their designs on our website or they can have us design something for them, bespoke designs.

“Because of the online service we have customers across the county, but we do a lot with local companies and organisations.”

Jake had been going to First Step since the age of eight with his mum who was a volunteer there.

One day while helping put together leaflets, he noticed how costly the operation could be and decided to start his own business to help organisations out-source the service.

He got a grant from Barclays Bank in 2012 for £3,000 and started his printing company aged 14.

He took part earlier this month in the Active Citizens’ Youth Innovation Summit in Ottawa. The theme of the event was encouraging young people to think about businesses and social enterprise and Jake was there to offer his experiences of running his business and his work in giving a voice to young people.