Prominent local businesswoman Fiona Whitehouse has joined up with local MP Steve Brine on a mission to revolutionise the lives of hard-of-hearing business people. "Sound Advice" is a new mentoring service aimed at entrepreneurs who experience hearing difficulties, and Fiona hopes her new initiative will encourage more people to start their own businesses.
No stranger to business start-ups herself, Fiona established PA-Anywhere, a successful virtual PA company in 2006, and was recently awarded PA Of The Year at the Southampton Venus Business Awards. Fiona's story is all the more remarkable as she was born profoundly deaf.
Fiona said: "I have now reached a point where I would like to help other deaf people who have an ambition to start their own business but just need some well-timed support to get them going."
"I hope that by drawing on my own experiences as a deaf entrepreneur, I can now offer encouragement and tried-and-tested advice to the many people in the UK who suffer from hearing difficulties."
Steve Brine has applauded the Sound Advice initiative, following a meeting with Fiona at one of his constituency surgeries. Steve said: "Fiona is an exceptional lady, based right in the heart of the city, in Fulflood, and I want to support her venture in every way possible. There are so many people across my patch showing such entrepreneurial spirit and Fiona is really leading the way. I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch with Fiona, or with me through my office, to find out more."
Formerly a Hampshire Deaf Association volunteer, Fiona has previously mentored local community members, but feels that there is still much more to be done in the support of those wanting to embrace the challenges of owning their own business.
Pictured; Steve joins Fiona outside Winchester Discovery Centre, on Jewry Street
More information...
For more information about the Sound Advice initiative, or if you are aware of a hard-of-hearing individual who could benefit from business mentoring, please email: [email protected].
PA Anywhere is a virtual PA company, providing businesses with expert administrative solutions and support. For further information visit: www. pa-anywhere.co.uk.
