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SWEF Grant Helps Young Carpenter Carve Out Success
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In 2024, Andrew Merson, applied for and received a grant from the SW Enterprise Fund (SWEF) to support his carpentry business, Sheffield Woodcraft. The grant enabled Andrew to buy high-quality essential tools for his business, that he would have otherwise been unable to acquire in the formative years of his business. Not only has the tools allowed Andrew to work more efficiently, but it has helped his business grow.
The SWEF grant gave my business a big boost and allowed me to step up the quality of my work to the next level and have the confidence to take on more ambitious commissions - Andrew
The SWEF fund is a grant programme designed to support young entrepreneurs in South Yorkshire. It offers financial assistance of up to £2,000 to individuals aged 18 to 30 who are in the start-up or pre-revenue phase of their business. This fund aims to help those who are not in education, employment, or training, and who come from low-income households or face other challenges that hinder their business development.
Applicants must reside in South Yorkshire and provide details about their business and how the grant would assist them in their application. The fund encourages a detailed breakdown of how the grant will be used. Additionally, Successful grant recipients are provided with opportunities to participate in a dedicated networking business forum for networking and have access to one-on-one business mentoring.
The application process was quick and quite simple, which is so helpful when you're running a young business on your own.
Prior to setting up his business. Andrew had the fortunate opportunity to acquire both traditional and modern skills from remarkable artisans in South Cumbria and Lancashire, thanks to the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust (BHMAT) during his three-year apprenticeship.
Inspired by a deep commitment to craftsmanship and a connection to local woodlands, Sheffield Woodcraft aims to contribute to a fairer world by creating functional wood products. These efforts are intended to strengthen the community's connection to local woods and demonstrate that beautiful, biodiverse woodlands can also support livelihoods.
Bespoke oak garden gate
One of Andrew's recent projects includes a Timber framed Dutch barn made in larch. Andrew harvested the timber from the clients’ woodland, designing and crafting the barn himself. The barn is an exceptionally crafted and beautiful piece of carpentry.
Timber framed Dutch barn made in British larch
Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes at SYCF and manager of the SWEF fund, along with Rachael Farrell, Philanthropy Coordinator, had the pleasure of meeting Andrew in person and seeing his fantastic work.
Bespoke Oak Fence
Andrew's enthusiasm for carpentry and ambition to expand his business was immediately clear from the start. When discussing his work, Andrew emphasised that everything he creates is unique, custom-made, and aligned with regenerative forestry and sustainable practices. From harvesting the trees to crafting the final product, Andrew showcases an incredible talent - Michelle Dickinson
Locally coppiced woven hazel panels
Find out more
The SWEF grant assists young people in South Yorkshire, like Andrew, in pursuing their passions and developing their businesses.
To find out more about the SWEF grant, click here
To vist the Sheffield Woodcraft Website, click here
Meet Michelle
Michelle supports our Strategic Plan through philanthropy. This includes the development of long-term strategic relationships to secure and distribute income against agreed targets. She is also responsible for of our Fund Development Strategy and SYCF's Grant Strategy.
Her working days are Monday to Friday.
Michelle Dickinson
Head of Philanthropy and Programmes
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