Skills Shop Limited & For Any Occasion Events
Sector:
Training & Events
Location:
Barrow-in-Furness
Phil Newton is a man who wears many hats – and wears them well.
As the founder of Skills Shop Limited and co-director of For Any Occasion Events, he has built two thriving businesses in Barrow, each rooted in service, adaptability, and a deep connection to the local community.
Skills Shop began in 2009, originally focused on supporting disengaged secondary school students through extended provision.
But in 2016, following the loss of his sister-in-law and business partner, Phil pivoted the business to fulfil a shared dream: delivering first aid training to businesses. “It was always our dream to become first aid instructors,” he says. “So I decided to go for it – and I’ve never looked back.”
Since then, Skills Shop has grown into a nationally recognised training provider. Phil offers courses in first aid, mental health awareness, conflict management, and positive behavioural support. His martial arts background adds a unique dimension to his training, particularly in restraint and de-escalation techniques.
“I’m really excited about all the investment coming into the town. It’s going to put Barrow on the map.”
“I kind of flipped the industry on its head,” he explains. “I help businesses as much as they help me.”
One of Phil’s key innovations is flexibility. Unlike traditional training providers, Skills Shop allows clients to book courses at times that suit them – even for small groups. “Even if a business only has three or four people, I’ll always run the course. I’ll never cancel it on them,” he said. “It’s about building trust and relationships.”
Phil’s IT background proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdowns hit, he quickly converted his in-person training into online courses and began helping other trainers do the same. “Adaptability is everything,” he says. “You’ve got to be ready to change when the world changes.”
Alongside Skills Shop, Phil runs For Any Occasion Events, a business he and his wife took over from his father-in-law in 2017. Originally a card shop in the local market, it has evolved into a vibrant event service offering balloon artistry for everything from baby showers to corporate awards. “We just love putting smiles on people’s faces,” Phil says. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Phil’s success is built on reputation. “People buy people,” he says. “So I always protect my reputation. It’s never about me – it’s always about providing the best service to my clients.” This philosophy has earned him a loyal client base across the UK, from Devon to Middlesbrough.
Phil is passionate about Barrow and sees it as a town full of opportunity. “I’m really excited about all the investment coming into the town. It’s going to put Barrow on the map,” he said.
He believes the growth will benefit both his businesses – Skills Shop will gain new clients, and For Any Occasion Events will serve more families celebrating life’s milestones.
Phil’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Go for it. You’re only here once.”
He recalls being told he’d fail if he started his own business. “Sixteen years later, here I am,” he says with a smile.
“Barrow is the perfect place to start something new. There’s so much investment and opportunity coming into the town. There’s no better time to start than today.”
“Barrow is the perfect place to start something new. There’s so much investment and opportunity coming into the town. There’s no better time to start than today.”
