Patryk’s Story

Patryk Dublicki, 32 and living in Rugby, decided to leave his former job in financial administration after being furloughed during the pandemic, and wanted to take control of his working life by starting his own business. While out of work, the job centre referred Patryk to PET-Xi after he expressed an interest in going into self-employment.

Patryk had an idea of starting a business to install energy-saving measures in people’s homes across the Midlands, such as heat pumps, insulation, and solar panels. He was introduced to the Business Futures programme at PET-Xi, which helps people gain the extra skills they need to move into self-employment.

Support provided by PET-Xi The free six-week Business Futures programme provides budding Warwickshire entrepreneurs with a range of business support and advice as well as the opportunity to take part in a Dragon’s Den-style pitch for the opportunity to receive a £1,000 grant to help launch their idea.

It aims to support jobseekers across the county to develop their entrepreneurial skills to launch a business and become their own boss. On the programme, Patryk took part in pre-recorded online sessions on various business-related topics, such as business structure, ­registration, developing a business plan, social media, marketing, and competitor analysis.

Patryk also received one-to-one advice from a business mentor on the programme, who helped him understand the many different aspects to starting and running a business. After completing the programme, Patryk pitched his business, ‘Midlands Eco Domestic Solutions’, to a panel of judges, who agreed to help fund the business with a £1,000 grant.