Learn about: Fuelled by Belief: Declan’s Journey from NEET to Entrepreneur
From Disengaged to Driven
At just 18, Declan Mottershead from Salford has gone from feeling invisible to running his own business. His company, Mottershead’s Metals and Movers, is a scrap metal and house clearance service now operating across Salford and Bolton — but more than that, it’s a symbol of transformation.
Declan’s journey began at a time when he had no trust in support services. Disengaged, written off, and stuck in a cycle, he arrived at the Genuine Futures: Boss Your Future programme with his hood up and head down.
“He wouldn’t speak, wouldn’t make eye contact — he’d lost trust in everything around him,” recalls Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures.
“But partway through a session, something shifted. A spark was lit.”
The Spark That Started Something
Through consistent support, real-life experience, and being around people who believed in him, Declan started to show up — for himself, and for his future.
During a group session, he shared that he wanted to start his own business — something practical, hands-on, and real. That one idea became the foundation for Mottershead’s Metals and Movers.
Today, he’s providing a reliable, community-focused service — helping local residents clear homes, recycle scrap, and reduce waste responsibly.
“I’m happy with my new business venture. I’m excited to see where this is going. I’m motivated now more than ever — waking up early, raring to go. Thank you to Genuine Futures, Sam and Mike, and Boss Your Future who helped me see it, believe it — and I’ve achieved it.”
— Declan
A Family Changed Too
The change hasn’t only been professional — it’s deeply personal.
“To see Dec now — motivated, confident, smiling — is amazing,” says Gill, Declan’s mum.
“From not engaging at all to running his own business — I’m beyond proud. Genuine Futures gave him belief, and now he’s building something real.”
Backed by Belief
“This isn’t just about business,” says Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures.
“It’s about identity, trust, and knowing your value. Declan’s journey shows what happens when we stop writing young people off and start backing them.”
“At Entrepreneurs Unlocked, we believe entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for change,” adds David Morgan, Founder and Director.
“Declan’s resilience and confidence are a reminder of why this work matters.”
The Reality Behind the Story
Declan’s story is extraordinary — but it shouldn’t be. Too many young people in Salford are still being left behind:
- 7.5% of 16–18s in Salford are NEET (not in education, employment, or training) — the highest in over six years.
- Nationally, 14.2% of young people aged 16–24 are unemployed.
- Only 45% of young people in Salford achieve Level 3 qualifications by age 19 — well below the national average of 61%.
We’re Stronger Together
Genuine Futures exists to bridge the gap between disengagement and opportunity. We don’t fix young people — we back them. We help them:
- Rebuild trust
- Gain real experience
- Turn ideas into action
- See a future worth showing up for
Call to Action
If you’re an organisation, employer, or community leader — now is the time to stop working in silos.
Let’s collaborate. Let’s unlock more stories like Declan’s.
Because when young people are fuelled by belief, they become unstoppable.