Businesswoman Phillippa Lomasney went back to her roots to give young people a positive message.

The 32-year-old owner of Pimp My Pumps online shoe boutique, was once a resident of Jupiter House in Clayton Road, Hayes, the YMCA centre for vulnerable young people.

But by practising what she preaches – the message: “If you can’t find work, make work” – she forged a successful business career.

She returned to Hayes on Monday to brainstorm business ideas with the youngsters and encourage them to work closely with local Jobcentres to exploit the opportunities there for them.

“Fifteen years ago I was there, and I went back to tell them I have walked the path they are walking now,” she said.

“It went really well and they had some fantastic ideas.”

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