26th August we received an invitations from John Quinton-Adams Operations Director Prime-cymru to enter the TRADING PLACES AWARDS a new initiative supported by the Department for work and Pensions, The Small Business Service and the Prince's Trust to assist People setting up new a Business and in doing so changed the direction of their life.
These awards were sponsored jointly by the Prince's Trust, Business LINK and The Sun news paper.


The Prizes being £7000 awarded to the National Gold winner
£3000 awarded to the National Silver winner
£1000 awarded to each of the 12 National Finalist Plus an expenses-paid to attend the glittering Trading Places Awards event with a complimentary table for a total of six people.

Closing date of entry 3rd September.
With only 9 days to prepare a presentation it appeared to be an almost impossible task however Marianne, David, John and Merlin drew up a 6 point action plan containing the following which was presented to the judging panel by the above date.

1. A twelve point summery of how the company was formed

2. One 58 minute video showing the processes of constructing a DIY harp using
birch plywood and hand held portable electrically powered hand tools.

3. A harp constructional manual containing 132 photographic illustrations

4. Six copies of detailed harp constructional drawings

5. A 3 panel display board displaying 26 photographs of awards and presentations

6. One red coloured 32 string non pedal harp

The above presentation was approved by Colin Jones prior to dispatch

1. Summery

TRADING PLACES AWARDS 2004
Merlin Maddock has been involved in the design and manufacture of harps for
most of his life, until, in 1989, an allergy to the timber used, caused respiratory difficulties, and forced him to retire from manufacturing

Subsequent illnesses ( 3 heart attacks resulting in a quadruple bypass operation ) and injuries ( fractured spine ), together with the onset of osteoporosis forced him, in 1996, to cease all activities including design

Some two years ago, his health carer ( herself registered disabled, and caring for two sons with autism), persuaded him to reconsider his "retirement", and together they re-invented the business, with herself becoming his apprentice.

He developed a new process of harp manufacture from plywood, a medium never before considered. Subsequent testing by experts, confirmed the sound and resonance to be of remarkably high quality, from instruments which could be made and sold for a fraction of the conventional price.

They further developed a range of "Funky Harps", brightly coloured to attract younger interest, and which have already generated much interest from local schools and music teachers

Alongside these developments, launched in January 2004, Merlin has redrawn all previous designs, actual size, with a template for each stage of the construction process. This he has packaged together with instructions and a video or CD, which allows even the most unskilled person to construct a Harp using plywood.

His website has generated world wide interest in the new process, particularly as there is nothing comparable at this quality and degree of instruction given.

In addition to overcoming his physical difficulties, and limited ability to work, Merlin has had to overcome a shortage of funding, and whilst receiving invaluable guidance and mentoring support from various initiatives, he experienced frustrating delays in receiving outside financial support.

However, since January good progress has been made, bolstered by publicity gained from awards won, and a presentation made to HRH The Prince of Wales, in his capacity as President of "Prime Cymru". This is one of the Prince's charities, and sister organisation to "Princes Youth Trust". It provides mentoring and guidance to those aged over 50, wishing to establish in business.

This progress has allowed him to embark on the next phase of his development, which is based on total commitment to his craft, and the determination that it should not slide into oblivion after his days.

As such, they are adapting his workshop premises to facilitate the holding of "Harp Making Master Classes". These will be residential weekend courses, based on his template construction process, and which will provide additional spin off value to the local economy.

In summary, we have a new business based on former skills, which has given a new
lease of life to the proprietor, and a direction to his apprentice. The resultant product
has been well received, and it's progress allows him to embark on the next phase of
his development, which he sees going from strength to strength over the coming
years.

2. One 58 minute video

3. Harp constructional manual

4. Six Harp Constructional Drawings

5. 3 Panel display

6. One Red 32 String Harp