Global Entrepreneurship Week | Born in Wigan but made in Wales: Entrepreneur Lyndsay’s journey from temp to trailblazer

The theme of this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week, which runs from 18-24 November, is ‘Entrepreneurship is for Everyone’, so we’re highlighting how USW is helping aspiring business owners, and those already running their own enterprises, become a success. #GEW24

When Lyndsay Crompton left school in the mid-90s, she had no qualifications to her name. Fast forward 30 years, and, after a return to study, she’s now running her own business and has added the title Doctor to her name.

Now 44, the mother of one has gone from temp to trailblazer - success she owes, in no small part, to the support she received from the University of South Wales (USW).

Originally from Wigan, Lyndsay moved to Wales in 2003, initially taking on agency work in the NHS, then working for the health service full-time in various positions – including health development, health promotion, and community roles. Eventually this led to a job within the HR department.

That role started in 2012, followed, a year later, by the arrival of her daughter. Then, Lyndsay said, ‘My life changed’.

Having completed a degree in HR at USW, she applied for a HR manager’s job and was turned down because she was told she didn’t have enough experience.

“That was the turning point really,” she said. “I asked myself if I really wanted to be doing that sort of job for the rest of my life.

“It was at that point I said ‘do you know what?’. I’d always wanted to be a chiropractor but I never thought I’d be able to afford to do University.”  

A chance meeting with a friend, who told Lyndsay about options for student finance, led her to apply for, and be accepted onto, a Masters in Chiropractic course at the USW-based Welsh Institute of Chiropractic.

Juggling her five years of studies, motherhood, and continuing in part-time work at the NHS, Lyndsay graduated with first-class honours in 2023 - a significant achievement, especially after being diagnosed with dyslexia during her course.

After completing her degree, however, Lyndsay faced a familiar challenge to all newly-graduated chiropractors: building a patient base, while, at the same, making a living. To make all the different parts work together, she returned to the NHS part-time, while also working in a chiro practice.

Her entrepreneurial spirit remained strong, however, and, having been contacted by USW’s Startup Stiwdio - which offers support and mentoring to aspiring business owners who have graduated from the University - Lyndsay applied for the LAUNCH+ programme, which provides 16 weeks of business development and £5,000 salary replacement to budding entrepreneurs so they can focus on their startup.

“It was amazing when I heard I’d got this funding, but I had to tell the other jobs I was doing that I would have to juggle this around those commitments,” she said. “But it was too good an opportunity to turn down and it was my dream, so thankfully was able to sort that out.”

Having completed the LAUNCH+ course, Lyndsay then looked to her next step – setting up her own chiro practice and securing clients to make the business a success.

And it was here that her network of contacts came into their own. Richie Turner, who is the manager of USW’s Startup Stiwdio is also on the board of Newport Live – which manages leisure facilities.

“Richie’s connection with Newport Live meant I was able to make contact with them, and find a suitable place to set up my business and offer chiro sessions for those who need them,” she said.

Having now established her business, Lyndsay’s goal is to grow the practice, eventually creating a comprehensive health hub, named The Community Chiropractor, offering a range of wellness services. And she couldn’t be more thankful for the support she has had from USW and the Startup Stiwdio.

“It’s be instrumental in getting me to where I am and opening my own practice,” she said.

“The Stiwdio has been amazing. If Richie and the staff don’t know the answer to any questions you may have, they will point you in the direction of someone who will know. I owe everything to the support they have given me.”

Looking ahead, Lyndsay would also like to give something back to the University in return for the support she has received during her studies and setting up her business.

“I would love to go back to the University to do some teaching, share my knowledge, and my experience with the next generation,” she said.