Bernard Chirumarara from Thornaby came to Five Lamps in February 2015 for help in developing his idea for a White Goods Repair business
Bernard had years of experience in this field, repairing and servicing cookers, dish washers, fridges, washing machines and tumble driers, but had never ran his own business so contacted Five Lamps for advice.
He met with Ian Garforth, Five Lamps Business Advisor who gave him; one to one guidance, support and advice over a period of three months. He also informed him that, as he was on Job Seekers Allowance. He qualified for the New Enterprise Allowance programme which would pay him £1270 over 26 weeks as a new business start-up.
Following some thorough preparation work, market research and having completed a Business Plan, Bernard found that there was a strong demand for this cost saving, eco-friendly, mobile service and therefore felt confident about the sustainability of ‘Appliances Care’.
He attended Five Lamps’ ‘We Mean Business’ workshops which covered subjects like finding and keeping customers, how to maximise social media potential, planning the business, book keeping, self-assessment and tax which reassured him about the management and sales side of his business.
Bernard started ‘Appliances Care’ (078493 38992) based in Thornaby three months after his initial enquiry and has had a good start with a healthy workflow.
His Business Advisor, Ian Garforth said:
“Bernard was a pleasure to work with. He was very pro-active with his preparation and was determined throughout. He has a very cheerful character which I’m sure will help him to succeed in business and the white goods repairs services he offers are cost saving and environmentally friendly”
Of the service he received, Bernard said:
“Doubts and scared were the main issues before coming to Five Lamps and meeting my Business Advisor Ian Garforth. Starting a new business is a scary journey, as you would expect hurdles on the way but with the help I got from Ian Garforth and Five Lamps, everything was flowing smoothly. I wouldn’t wish for a better advisor than Ian as he was guiding me all the way from my business plan, ideas, in fact every step I would doubt I would consult him and in return will get the expected help. Also the workshops were very useful in particular, ‘is it for me’, ‘Finding & Keeping customers’ and Social media marketing. I am still to attend more workshops like Managing money and making a profit. Thank you Ian & Five Lamps, you changed my life”
The New Enterprise Allowance is a DWP contract for people on Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or lone parent income support.