A Hillingdon entrepreneur has received a £2,000 grant to help develop her business and positively impact the lives of people in the local community.

Lydia Akinwunmi has received funding from A2Dominion at the residential property group’s Dragons’ Den-style event in London.

Lydia, 53, will use £2,000 of funding to launch Explore your Purpose, an innovative career consultancy for local people aged 50 and over.

Believing that career support is often too focused on younger people, Lydia wanted to offer specialised mentoring support to over 50s to find their dream career. 

A2Dominion, which owns and manages nearly 2,000 homes in Hillingdon, holds its yearly Dragons’ Den style event as part of its Enterprise Programme.

Lydia said: “The idea has been going round in my mind for many years, but A2Dominion has made it happen.

“I hope to transform other peoples’ lives and take their ambitions to the next level.”

Bassam Mahfouz, A2Dominion’s Employment and Enterprise Manager, said:

“This is the fifth year of this hugely successful initiative, which gives us an opportunity to reward the talent and innovation of our residents.

“Lydia’s own experience of working with the over 50s impressed the judges, she has demonstrated that she has the vital skills to make a positive impact in her community.

This year’s panel included Dawn Wightman, A2Dominion’s Group Housing Director, and a selection of the Group’s Board members.

Since 2012, the Dragons’ Den-style event has awarded over £75,000 to a total of 39 entrepreneurs.