CASE STUDY
Company Assisted: Scratch Master
Support Programme: Intensive Start-Up Support
Support Activity: Support for a New Business
Experienced Body Shop Technician, Joe Halsall was made redundant in early 2009 due to the economic downturn. After several months of unemployment, relying on the Jobseeker’s Allowance and with a partner and two children two support, Joe turned a negative into a positive and set up his own business.
Background:
Prior to this, Joe had been in the same role for several years based in local car body repair workshops. The prospect of self-employment allowed him to tailor his job to suit his individual requirements. Realising that he was bored of “working in one spot all the time” he decided to add a unique selling point by going mobile.
Joe’s business, Scratch Master, would provide a cosmetic vehicle repair service, treating scratches, small dents, interior trim damage etc. and would be available to customers via a mobile service.
Support Provided:
After discussing self-employment with a Job Centre Advisor, Joe was referred to Enterprise4All. Initially his adviser referred him to the DWP Self-Employment Coaching Programme, which allowed Joe to clarify his business idea and build confidence.
After a month, Joe moved on to the Intensive Start-Up Support Programme, which is funded by the North West Development Agency, the European Regional Development Fund and Lancashire County Council. This helped Joe to develop his business knowledge and direction. Working collaboratively with the ISUS team, Joe created a detailed business plan for Scratch Master, which included start-up costs, pricing policy, marketing and financial forecasts.
The daunting prospect of funding was resolved when Enterprise4All helped Joe apply to the ‘Kickstart’ business loan provided by Lancashire County Developments Limited (part of the Lancashire County Council). During the application process, Joe continued to receive one-to one support with an Enterprise4All Business Adviser, in conjunction with several training workshops focussing on Tax, Marketing Customer Service and Social Networking.
Results:
Networking and contacts proved to be vital for Joe. Instead of relying on existing knowledge, Joe branched out to various motor-trade contacts allowing a smooth transition into new business when Joe’s loan application was granted.
“A really big thanks to Enterprise4all for all they have done for me,” says Joe. “Their professionalism, making things easy to understand and the interest and care they took in helping me get my business started was second to none”.