PRIME Cymru Mentor goes the extra mile 

When Russell Gibbon joined the PRIME Cymru team as a Volunteer Mentor in 2022 his story was remarkable as, unlike our other UK-based mentors, he lived in Mexico.  

Russell Gibbon

Welshman Russell wanted to be of use during the pandemic and feel connected with his home country. 

Over the years, he has supported numerous clients as they embark on their new businesses. With bags of entrepreneurial experience, Russell uses his knowledge to guide clients through those nerve-wracking first steps.  

More recently, he has been an invaluable asset to PRIME Cymru, supporting Mexican nationals Efren and Lilian Escamilla, who now live in Wrexham, as they begin their “Latino SwiftClean” domestic cleaning business journey.

Amazingly, Russell has been able to support Efren and Lilian in Spanish, making the world of difference to the married couple, who speak very little English.  

Speaking with them over video call and working around the seven-hour time difference, PRIME Cymru is so grateful for Russell’s support.  

Project Manager, Beverley Kennett, said: “What Russell has done for Efren and Lilian has been amazing. When he came on board as a remote Volunteer Mentor three years ago, we never imagined he’d be able to provide this level of support to our clients. It has made Efren and Lilian’s transition into self-employment so much easier for them.”  

Efren and Lilian

Russell enjoys the feeling of giving back, particularly in his home country. 

He said: “It provides me with that sense of service when I know I have offered something that the mentee has valued.  

“Efren and Lilian needed help orienting themselves in their new culture and life in Wales. I know Welsh culture really well but can also claim to have a pretty good understanding of Mexican culture.”  

“I love connecting with people and places back in Wales.”  

Thanks to the power of technology, PRIME Cymru Volunteer Mentors can support aspiring Welsh entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world. 

If you would like to share your knowledge and experience with others, please get in touch on 01550 721813 or email enquiries@primecymru.co.uk.