Former Port-Talbot steelworker now sets sight on a new career
The last blast furnace in the United Kingdom shut down at Port Talbot’s Tata Steelworks on October 1, 2024, marking the end of an era. With this historic closure came 1900 job losses at Port Talbot, with more job losses at other Tata UK operations across some other Welsh sites.
However, from those last embers, a new fire is coming to be Liam Todd who left Port Talbot works after taking redundancy has now set his sights on an interesting new venture. Deciding to venture outside the industry, Liam has now set up his own firm, Todd10Sports, selling custom teamwear to sports teams.
The Swansea based firm supplies bespoke kits and teamwear to local football and rugby clubs, which Liam says, is provided at a much cheaper price than other competing large providers. He believes that the concept is catching on because Todd10Sports allows customers to create their own bespoke style.
“They tell me the colour scheme and I give them templates and they work on these to choose the look they like best, and basically design it themselves. They can add sponsors’ logos and anything else as they wish,” said Liam.
An avid footballer himself, Liam is planning to expand into other sports in the future and is confident that he will enjoy a high demand for his service.
“I can supply playing kits and all the other teamwear that clubs these days have. This helps the clubs to build their brand and attract support from sponsors and to promote the club in a professional way,” he added.
Liam was able to set up his business because of a £7500 regeneration loan from the Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE. While Liam likes to deal directly with his clients, he is also setting up a website to take orders, for which he is using a part of the mentioned loan.
“The support from UKSE will help me set up my website and purchase equipment and has been very timely,” Liam said. Michelle Noble, Regional Executive with UKSE, expressed her organization’s pleasure in giving a loan to the new business: “The £7500 funding is half a loan and half a grant, and we are pleased that it will help launch this imaginative business and we wish Liam every success.”
Liam Todd’s journey from being a steelworker to now supplying custom sports kit to local clubs showcases resilience and entrepreneurship in the face of industry challenges. His commitment to providing affordable and custom teamwear is not only beneficial to clubs but also demonstrates the potential for new beginnings beyond traditional sectors.
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This rewritten article delves into the story of a former Port-Talbot steelworker who has transitioned into a new career, supplying custom sports kit to local clubs. The narrative highlights his journey of resilience and entrepreneurship in the wake of industry challenges, showcasing the potential for new beginnings beyond traditional sectors.