Barclays
Business Banking
Trading Places 2006 Finalists

   
1. Our winner Natalie Hutchinson
was bankrupt, homeless and the
victim of violent abuse. But Natalie
was determined to pull her life
together. Today, she operates Simply
Hair a successful hair and beauty salon.
   Photograph of Natalie Hutchinson
     
2. Our runner-up Gareth Almond
lost his right arm and his career in
an accident. Undaunted, he went
on to establish Bulldog Spirit, a driving
school for the disabled.
   Photograph of Gareth Almond
     
3. Woody Whittick suffered a spinal
injury ending her career. She studied
millinery, set up She’s All That, and now
her hats can be seen at Britain’s most
glamourous events.
   Photograph of Woody Whittick
     
4. Esther Chase has fought a constant
battle with ill-health. Determined to
work for herself, she opened her own
shop, Siesta Trading.
   Photograph of Esther Chase
     
5. Paul Kuznecovs left Latvia to come to
Britain. After much hardship, he set up
a Baltic Link company, which deals with
recruitment, medical treatment abroad,
football and other businesses.
   Photograph of Paul Kuznecovs
     
6. Jill Swingler started Beautiful Bean
Bags to secure the future for her
autistic son. The company operates
from a large industrial unit and employs
six staff.
   Photograph of Jill Swingler
     
7. Steph Cutler experienced sight loss
but went on to launch Open Eyed, a
consultancy specialising in supporting
organisations to make their services
accessible.
   Photograph of Steph Cutler
     
8. Single mum Louise Davenport
beat depression and a broken
relationship to launch her business,
A Little Star, selling exclusive baby
gifts and accessories.
   Photograph of Louise Davenport