Pins & Needles make their mark

Pins and Needles tattoo parlour was set up five months ago by Anthony Ellul, and the venture is proving highly popular with a growing clientele. "We have a growing number of clients, mainly coming from the local area. They find it much more convenient than going into town to get work done,” commented Anthony.

He has over ten years experience in the tattoo trade, having worked for parlours in Newport. "I decided I wanted to set up on my own, and I am very glad that I did,” he said.

He received a £3000 loan from the Kickstart programme, funded by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and administered by Centre for Business. Anthony has invested a total of £9000 in setting up Pins and Needles, and the funding has proved essential. "The loan has been very helpful and really made a big difference when it came to getting established,” said Anthony.

As well as this, the business was granted a £1000 rent subsidy by Newport City Council to help it get up and running.

Pins and Needles has taken on an apprentice – Martin Teppett – who is learning the trade on the job. There are also plans to take on a full time staff member to deal with piercing.

"Tattooing is getting more popular all the time and people come and have a wide range of work done. The Japanese designs are fashionable at the moment,” commented Anthony.

Andrea Hewett-Rogerson of UK Steel Enterprise said: "We are delighted that we have been able to provide funding for this venture, which has enabled it to get up and running and employ local people.”

Martin's business adviser, Rashad Ismail from Centre for Business said "Anthony has a good reputation in the sector, and has always wanted to run his own business. He provided the passion and hard work and we provided the tools to help turn that dream into a reality.”