About the Programme

The Making Changes for Careers programme is an exciting enterprise programme that has experience and success in supporting young people start their own businesses and realise their entrepreneurship ambitions.

Through our Big 13 Enterprise Skills sessions, we can give you the knowledge and skills you need to
start-up and function in the business world.

You may also be able to access a test market grant, thanks to funding from UKSPF, from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, an organisation that has supported hundreds of Young Entrepreneurs… and keen to help more!

Young people will have the opportunity to access an experienced business mentor, who will be on hand to offer expert advice and guidance. They were once in your shoes so can offer a wealth of support!

The Making Changes for Careers Programme helps a wide range of entrepreneurs! We are particularly successful in supporting:

• Young People

• Young People of Colour

• Young People who are Neurodiverse

• Young People from the LGBTQ+ Community

• Young People on Universal Credit

We especially want to hear from you if:

• You have a ‘Gem’ of an idea.

• You are not convinced employment is for you and want to earn your own money.

• You need additional support, skills and/or confidence to enable you to move towards self - employment.

• You are a Universal Credit claimant who are placed in: The Work Preparation Requirement or Work Focused Interview requirement.

Please still get in touch even if:

• You still working or are in education and training

• You are not 100% sure if you want to start in business and are still considering your ideas.

Please call us to check your eligibility. 

The Team

Team MC4C is made up of nine experienced individuals who are all on hand to offer information, support, advice and guidance to make your journey to self-employment as smooth as possible. They all have extensive experience in owning a business or have family members who are running or have businesses.

My name is Charles and I am the Youth Enterprise and Micro Business Manager responsible for all things youth entrepreneurship and enterprise skills.  As well as ensuring that young people get the right support to set up in business, I also try to develop, with my colleagues, events and activities in which they can promote their businesses.
I founded the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank which gives business grants to young people and gives them access to a mentor. In my spare time I enjoy watching Manchester City and Hull FC and spending time with my four grandchildren.
Email Charles on: charles.cracknell@hullcc.gov.uk or call 07990510211.
Further details also on the Contact Us page.

My name is Mike, and I am the Youth Enterprise Office and deputy team leader. I have worked with Hull’s young entrepreneurial talent for 15 years, ranging from start-up business to working in schools delivering enterprise workshops and spotting early enterprise talent. I particular enjoy heling to organise projects involving schools such as Global Entrepreneurship Week and Make £5 Blossom.

Outside of work, you can find me doing all things sport, in particular football and golf.

Email Mike on: michael.notarantonio@hullcc.gov.uk or call 07977463547.
Further details also on the Contact Us page.

My name is Charlene, I have worked with MC4C for last 5 years and love what I do. I’m a passionate and motivated individual who thrives on working with people and bringing out the best in those around me.

With a natural ability to inspire and support, I like to develop positive relationships and create a collaborative environment. I have a strong work ethic, and sense of community to everything I do.

Email Charlene on: charlene.porteous@hullcc.gov.ukor call 07702922463.
Further details also on the Contact Us page.

I’m Paul and I am one of four Youth Enterprise and Micro Business Advisors. I have worked in supporting young people into employment through education and training for 18 years, the past 3 years with Hull City Council. Since starting with MC4C, I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting those looking for self- employment and look forward to continuing with the team in the future.

I thoroughly enjoy working with young, creative, entrepreneurial people and the MC4C environment gives both learner and advisor an environment to share ideas and problem solve through effective communication.

Email Paul on: Paul.Smith2@hullcc.gov.ukor call 07925397533.
Further details also on the Contact Us page.

My name is Amanda and I am a Youth Enterprise Micro Business Advisor here at MC4C. I’m passionate about self-employment, having started my first business age 19. My role is to assist start-up businesses from the ideas stage, through their business plan and continuing support once they are established.

I also deliver enterprising sessions to show upcoming entrepreneurs the skills required to start a business. I also enjoy working with schools and colleges to help make entrepreneurship fun and memorable.

Email Amanda on: amanda.brockwell@hullcc.gov.uk or call 07925397538. Further details also on the Contact Us page.

My name is Rebecca and I am a Youth Enterprise Champion at MC4C. Part of my role is helping young people set up their own businesses - this is what I love to do! As a past participant of the MC4C programme and a small business owner myself, I feel I can relate to people who also dream of being their own boss.
You will sometimes find me in the office but will also often see me out and about promoting and finding the next generation of enterprise talent. I also help run the social media accounts so you may see me taking photos and making silly TikToks.

Email Rebecca on: rebecca.mccoid@hullcc.gov.ukor call 07702922463. Further details also on the Contact Us page.

I am phoebe and my role in the team is the Youth Enterprise & Micro Business Support Officer. I support the MC4C team with all things administration and help keep the office running smoothly. You will see me when you sign up to our programme as I support our young entrepreneurs in starting their journey with MC4C.

I love working in the youth enterprise department and being able to develop my own enterprising knowledge and skills!

Email Phoebe on: phoebe.taylor@hullcc.gov.ukor call 07708510592. Further details also on the Contact Us page.