A careers advisor ditched his job to become a full-time poet

Richard C. Bower, 50, said he always had a passion for writing from a young age but never showed anyone his work until 10 years ago, when his mum passed away suddenly. After his therapist encouraged him to use writing as an outlet for his grief and share it on social media, publishers quickly took notice and offered him a four-book deal.

As his success snowballed, he gave up his job as a careers advisor to pursue poetry full-time, before being asked by his local football club, Mansfield Town Football Club, to write the club’s official poem, ‘This Is Mansfield’.

In 2024, Richard was appointed poet laureate of Mansfield and, in literary circles, is considered like a modern Lord Byron.

Richard said: “I’m just a Mansfield lad, and I’m so privileged to be recognised as a poet of the people.”

The poet is currently writing a book inspired by nature and being outdoors, using local nature spots such as Sherwood Forest to spark inspiration.

Richard’s story comes as research, commissioned by VodafoneThree, reveals how mobile connectivity helps turn inspiration into opportunity.

The study of 2,000 Brits found the best ideas come while outside the home, when walking (33 per cent), spending time alone (33 per cent) and in nature (29 per cent). The findings show adults are most likely to be inspired while at the coast or beach (36 per cent), in the countryside (34 per cent) or in woodlands or forests (24 per cent).

It emerged 74 per cent feel inspired by their everyday surroundings and over half (55 per cent) said their local area fuels their inspiration.

Until a few months ago, Richard Bower did not have a phone, but as demand for this work grew and new creative opportunities emerged, he got one to help him stay connected and support his expanding business. He now uses his mobile constantly as a thesaurus, notetaker and even live streams to his YouTube channel.

Richard Bower said: “I get inspired by walking around Mansfield, and the convenience of the phone helps to accelerate my creative process.”

He added: "I write about real life, whether it's nature-inspired, being outdoors, about mental health, about love or loss - I just write about reality.”

According to the data from OnePoll.com, over 17 million moments of inspiration become real side hustles or small businesses across the UK every year.

Of those who have ever started a business or side hustle, 11 per cent got their inspiration while spending time alone, nine per cent talking to friends or family and eight per cent when wlking. As an idea strikes, 35 per cent use their smartphone to immediately search for more information.

More than one in five (22 per cent) have used their connection to work remotely, collaborate with other people (20 per cent) and share creative work (18 per cent).

Nine in 10 (92 per cent) find their phone helpful for capturing or developing ideas, while 87 per cent said mobile connectivity is important when they want to act on an idea or opportunity immediately.

Overall, more than half (55 per cent) agreed getting online while out and about has helped them turn inspiration into something tangible.

To celebrate the places inspiring creativity and driving regional economic growth, VodafoneThree is bringing ‘Opportunity Hubs’ to communities across the country to help people turn ideas and inspiration into opportunities.

The hubs will pop up in locations, including Mansfield, where notable network improvements are giving more people the connectivity to put their ideas into action.

Andrea Dona, chief network officer at VodafoneThree, said: “As our research shows, we reach for our phones the moment inspiration strikes - another reason why fast, reliable connectivity is so important.

“It’s also why we’re investing £11 billion to build the UK’s best network, delivering high-quality connectivity to every corner of the country. That includes Mansfield, where Vodafone customers can now access up to eight times faster 5G speeds thanks to our recent network upgrades.

“By delivering stronger, more reliable connectivity, we’re helping people stay connected and make the most of every opportunity, wherever inspiration strikes.”