Clarion Futures helps Birmingham couple launch thriving business

For Chimbuchi and Jerry Nwanma, the idea of starting their own business was exciting and full of possibility.

However, like many aspiring entrepreneurs, they weren't sure where to begin or who to turn to for guidance. After all, for many people starting something new can feel overwhelming - especially when uncertainty, stress and even loneliness begin to creep in.

Finding support

When they connected Clarion Futures, Chimbuchi and Jerry found more than just practical advice – they found encouragement, structure and a sense that they weren’t alone. In September last year, the couple joined the Start Your Own Cleaning Business course, a friendly, in‑person programme that brought residents together to learn, share ideas and build confidence.

Across two days, they covered everything from setting up a business and pricing services to marketing and day‑to‑day planning. The sessions helped reduce the stress of uncertainty and turned a big idea into manageable steps. Ongoing one‑to‑one support meant they always had someone to talk things through with.

Building skills and self‑belief

In December 2025, Chimbuchi and Jerry also gained a nationally recognised BICSc License to Practice, boosting their professional confidence and credibility. Learning alongside others helped them feel connected, motivated, and ready to move forward with their vision.

A new chapter: Peak Shine

Today, their business Peak Shine is up and running. Their journey shows how the right support can ease stress, tackle isolation and help residents build not just a business – but a brighter future.

The couple shared: “The training was practical, supportive and really boosted our confidence.

"We really enjoyed both the BSU and BICSc training. The training was very practical and informative, and the one-to-one assessment with the assessor was also very interesting and educational. It helped us understand the correct professional standards for cleaning and safety.

“The knowledge we gained from the training will be very valuable as we build Peak Shine. We plan to include what we learned as part of our company induction programme for future staff. For example, we will train our team on colour coding systems, taking correct measurements, carrying out equipment safety checks on such as hoovers, and completing risk assessments before starting tasks.

“We are also very interested in continuing our professional development through BICSc. We would love to attend more training courses in the future, such as Office Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, and other specialist courses, as the training has already had a positive impact on how we are setting up our business.

"We would love to attend more training courses in the future, as the training has already had a positive impact on how we are setting up our business."

Get support

We are committed to helping you find job opportunities and build a rewarding career. To do this, we work with employers and training providers across the country.

Find out more about how our charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, can help you by completing our enquiry form.

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