Newcastle entrepreneur launches a new business

Apr 27 2009 by Mia Hodgkinson, The Journal

Although his business is calculated to be worth a quarter of a million pounds, Jonathan is still very down to earth and is currently studying for A-levels in art, economics and politics at Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School.

He launched his first business in 2006, when he was just 14, but still lives off the £20 pocket money that his mum gives him each month.

Other businesses Jonathan has launched have included a mobile phone screensaver downloads website, an online rewards site, where members could win free iPods and flatscreen TVs, and a directory website for Newcastle.

He was also shortlisted for NCJ Media’s Young Business Person of the Year Award last year and was the youngest person to be included in The Journal’s Rising Stars and Future Leaders’ publication.

“When I launched ForFree4U.co.uk back in 2006, I really didn’t think that I would now be looking back on four years in business. There have been difficult times – especially in the current economic climate – but I’ve learnt how to innovate and keep going forward, so in some respects the business has taught me more than school,” he said.

Jonathan hopes to study business management at a London university, while continuing his real-life business management course. Go to www.livenewcastle.co.uk  to find out more.