A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has now become the director of his new company based in Grasmere.

Joseph Rollitt, 16, from Grasmere is the Director of Grasmere Plant Hire Limited (GPHL) and is registered with company house.

GPHL is a new business that was founded in 2020 which specialises in groundworks, including site clearing, drainage, and walling, as well as tool and machinery hire.

The Westmorland Gazette: BOSS: !6-year-old Joseph is the director of Grasmere Plant Hire Limited BOSS: !6-year-old Joseph is the director of Grasmere Plant Hire Limited

Joseph became the Director on his 16th birthday on December 1, 2020.

He previously attended the Lakes School in Troutbeck Bridge but left after having problems from bullies. The bullying became so serious that Joseph attempted suicide.

However, with the support of his family, as well as Cumbria's Switch2ed school, he has now entered the world of business.

Joseph’s father, Brian said: “He’s always been into diggers and machinery. After he went through all the hassle at school, he was looking for things to do. I gave him some money and we got the business started. I got him some tools and Cumbrian County Council gave him a AHC plan to work with.

“He’s already had some business already and while it has been a little quiet here with lockdown we are looking forward to continuing."

The Westmorland Gazette: WORKING: Joseph Rollitt is the director of Grasmere Plant Hire Limited based in GrasmereWORKING: Joseph Rollitt is the director of Grasmere Plant Hire Limited based in Grasmere

Joseph said: “I hope everything will get better, for the business and in education as well.

"I hope the business will get going because we've already had a big job so far which I'm proud of.

"I’m just glad to be in a position where I can grow and learn."

Brian added: "I'm so proud of my son. I hope other young people can hear what he's done and understand there is support out there for them if they face bullying or hardships."

Joseph and his family wish to thank Switch2ed for their care and assistance during his education, and to Laura Jackson of Cumbria Police and Bev Holmes who helped and supported him through out.

They also wish to thank Mary Handley from Cumbria county council target youth support as she has helped Joseph getting back into education.

The Westmorland Gazette: DIRECTING: Joseph Rollitt became the director of the company on his birthday DIRECTING: Joseph Rollitt became the director of the company on his birthday