A 27-year-old interior designer from Upton hopes to inspire others after starting her own business and offer a work placement to aspiring designers.

Claire Davies started her business 'Claire Davies Interiors' in 2016 after being inspired by legendary fashion icon Iris Apfel. 

After years of teaching Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Karate and Kickboxing, Claire decided to start a business and after watching a documentary about fashion guru Iris, she developed a passion for interior design.

With less than £100 savings Claire decided to buy herself a website and some business cards, now she has secured more than 20 clients locally and has offered a work placement to 23-year-old Michael Halpin.

Michael, from Ellesmere Port, has autism and had completed an interior design degree in 2016 at Manchester Metropolitan University.

He had struggled to find work without experience. 

Claire was approached by the Young Persons Supported Work Experience (YPSWE) to offer a work placement for Michael and she took up the opportunity.

She told the Globe said: “I’m glad that i’ll be able to support Michael through this work experience programme.

"It’ll be truly invaluable for him as it’s exactly what he wants to do in the future and will build his confidence.

"It’s a testament to his perseverance and he should be very proud of himself for pursuing his dream career, despite the obstacles."

The YPSWE provide voluntary work placements for unemployed 18 to 24-year-old to enhance their self-confidence, knowledge and experience of the workplace through practical learning.

The programme is designed to provide personalised wraparound support to each learner based on their initial needs assessment and appropriate to their disability or long term health condition.