About Us
- Home
- About Us
About Us
Welcome to Willow Mc
Our story is rooted in family, resilience, and the drive to overcome adversity. Willow Mc is more than just a business name—it’s a tribute to Stephen’s grandparents, Annie Williamson (known as Annie Willow) and Eddie McDevitt (known as Eddie Mc), who laid the foundation for Stephen’s entrepreneurial journey. The name Willow Mc symbolises respect for them, the driving force behind Stephen’s path. Established in 1949, it represents the coming together of Stephen’s grandparents and their commitment to building a legacy that would inspire future generations.
Learn More
Stephen’s Journey
Stephen’s story is one of transformation. Born into difficult circumstances and faced with personal challenges, he was determined to turn his life around. By the age of 30, Stephen had reached a crossroads—he weighed 33 stone, smoked 30 cigarettes a day, and worked in a job that made him unhappy. He wasn’t being financially rewarded for his efforts, and his life lacked direction.
It was a heartfelt conversation with his mother that changed everything. She believed in him when no one else did and lent him money from her pension to help him start a business. With her support, Dovewell was born in 2017, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
But Stephen’s journey was far from easy. He fought hard to overcome personal struggles, including a battle with gambling addiction and emerged stronger than ever. Stephen has lost 12 stone, quit smoking, and has now been clean for over 8 years. He credits much of his success to his transformation—not just physically, but mentally as well.
A Business Built on Resilience
Stephen’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to grow, despite leaving school without qualifications and struggling with reading and writing. In 2018, Stephen took a 50% stake in FTW Training. Under his leadership, FTW has flourished, growing from an £80k turnover to £2.5 million, with a total cumulative revenue of £12 million. Today, FTW Training employs 50 people and offers a range of professional training services, from first aid to health and safety.
Stephen’s story has been shared in many places, including About The Town, where he’s recognised as an inspiration for overcoming adversity. From a difficult start in life to becoming a successful business owner, his journey proves that anyone can overcome their struggles and achieve success.
Our Values
At Willow Mc, we believe in the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the strength of the team. Every business Stephen is involved in—FTW Training, Dovewell, FTW First Aid, and Mama Sood’s—reflects these values. They represent his commitment to overcoming obstacles, supporting his team, and giving back to the community that helped him succeed.
We believe in the power to overcome adversity, no matter the obstacles. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Our business is built on the foundation of family, honouring the hard work and determination of those who came before us. We carry their legacy forward in everything we do.
We operate with honesty and transparency, always striving to do what’s right for our clients, our team, and our community.
We know that success is never a solo effort. Our strong, supportive team is at the heart of everything we achieve, and we believe in the power of collaboration.
We’re committed to supporting and empowering our team, clients, and partners, helping them reach their full potential through training, guidance, and mutual respect.
We continually look for ways to improve and adapt, pushing boundaries to create new opportunities and deliver the best solutions for our clients and businesses.
Case Studies
Companies We Work With
Mama Sood’s
Mama Sood’s brings authentic Indian flavors to the UK, rooted…
FTW First Aid
At FTW First Aid, we are dedicated to equipping individuals…
Dovewell
Dovewell is your trusted partner for high-quality Material Handling Equipment…
Get Started
We’re In The Business of Helping You Achieve Your Success
Ready to take the next step toward transforming your business? Contact Stephen and the team at Willow Mc today, and let’s build something great together.