15-year-old Sunderland entrepreneur impresses residents with car valeting business

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Ronnie Little runs his mobile car valeting business, R.L Car Care, for SR and DH4 postcodes while balancing his school work as he prepares to sit his GCSEs.

The 15-year-old entrepreneur started his business venture two years ago after being diagnosed with Bilateral SUFE (slipped upper femoral epiphysis), which meant he couldn’t play rugby anymore.

The condition means that the growth plate, found in the hip, fractures and the head of the femur slips out of position – making walking difficult.

Ronnie Little, 15, has been running his valeting business since he was 13.

Ronnie underwent surgery and set up his own website with a booking system, along with social media accounts and now the 15-year-old is fully booked up until April.

He said: “I started washing cars when I was younger, I enjoyed it and after my medical set back I wanted to focus on a new hobby.

"After my operation, I wanted to regain my independence and do something I enjoyed.”

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Ronnie Little has impressed residents across Sunderland with his valeting business.

The entrepreneur says school is his main priority but plans to expand if the business continues its success.

Ronnie added: “I just want to prove I can be trusted as there’s a lot of stigma around teenagers, that we’re not old enough or mature enough but I’m going to prove that I’m different.

"The business has taken off recently with people sharing posts on Facebook and I’ve had really positive feedback – everyone is supporting me, I’ve even had company’s offering supplies!”

The 15-year-old works on his business after school and on weekends and has received acknowledgement for his school and business work ethic.

Ronnie’s dad Mick said: “It’s a very proud dad moment, the whole family is immensely proud – he’s so passionate, I knew it would be successful from the start and it’s gone from strength to strength.

"He’s so dedicated, his work ethic is second to none and he has always been mature for his age, there’s not many kids that put a pressure washer on their Christmas list!

"Ronnie balances school alongside his business, he’s very driven and it’s refreshing to see that.”

You can find more information on Ronnie’s business here.

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