Business grant breakthrough for apprentice’s new events enterprise
A Sheffield-based apprentice has turned an idea born from his own experience into a thriving events enterprise thanks to support from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).
Leo Turnbull, founder of studybreak, received a £500 grant from SYCF’s SWEF Enterprise Fund, which helps young people aged 18-30 start or grow their own businesses through grants, mentoring and business support.
Originally from Newcastle, Leo moved to Sheffield in September to begin a software engineering apprenticeship with HSBC. While settling into the city, he recognised that apprentices often miss out on the social opportunities and support networks available to university students.
Inspired to tackle the problem, he launched studybreak - a social society designed specifically for Sheffield apprentices, offering opportunities to meet new people and take part in activities outside of work and study.
The grant enabled Leo to buy resources for events, including pottery clay, craft materials and games, as well as helping to promote the new venture.
The first studybreak event in January 2026 attracted around 12 people. Since then, the enterprise has grown rapidly, with a total of more than 150 people attending events and over 40 people now taking part in regular sessions.
Activities have included clay modelling, baking sessions and games evenings.
Leo said: “I am incredibly grateful to South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation for the grant. It has been transformative and allowed me to get things off the ground and start running community events.
“I’m now on my seventh ticketed event, averaging one every two weeks, and more than 150 people have attended so far. There are also lots of people who have signed up for monthly memberships.
I had the idea for studybreak but didn’t think it would be possible without the funding. The SWEF grant has been invaluable in enabling me to launch and grow the enterprise.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the response. The sessions have been incredibly popular, particularly the clay modelling, baking and games events. There really is a demand from apprentices who are looking to socialise with others at a similar stage of their education and training.
“HSBC has also been incredibly supportive of my business venture. This would have been significantly harder without the grant, so thank you to everyone involved. It has propelled me forward more than I ever expected.”
Leo is now planning to expand studybreak beyond Sheffield.
He added: “I’m hoping to expand into Nottingham and longer term, I’d also like to develop the model further to offer activities and support for school-aged children and graduates.”
Michelle Dickinson, Deputy CEO and Head of Partnerships and Programmes at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “What a fantastic success story. Leo has identified a real need and created a unique solution which is already making a difference for young people across Sheffield.
It is fantastic to see how quickly studybreak has grown and how our SWEF Enterprise Fund has helped turn a great idea into a successful, social enterprise. We look forward to seeing Leo continue to develop and expand the project in the future.
For more information about studybreak visit https://studybreak.uk/.
Meet Michelle
Michelle leads strategic partnerships to connect giving with community need across the region. Since joining in 2019, she has played a key role in major funding initiatives, including flood appeals and cost-of-living support, helping to raise over £2.5 million for South Yorkshire communities.
Her working days are Monday to Friday.
Michelle Dickinson
Deputy CEO and Head of Partnerships and Programmes
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