Mick Levett from Thornaby came to Five Lamps in February 2015 for help in developing his business idea for a Gardening and Handyman business
Mick had experience in this field but had never run his own business and was slightly daunted by the prospect.
He met with Ian Garforth, Five Lamps Business Coach, who gave him one to one guidance, support and advice over a period of two 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.
He was also able to obtain a New Enterprise Start up Loan via Five Lamps to help with his advertising, tools and insurances.
Following some thorough preparation work, market research and having completed a Business Plan, Mick felt confident about the sustainability of this venture. He also attended Five Lamps’ ‘We Mean Business’ workshops which covered subjects like finding and keeping customers, how to maximise social media, planning the business and book keeping, self-assessment and tax.
Mick started ‘Levett’s Garden and Handyman Service’ based in Thornaby two months after his initial enquiry and has had a good start with a healthy workflow.
From the service he received, he said:
“I thoroughly recommend that if you have an idea/plan and want to work for yourself ’go for it’. I wish I had done it years ago and with the help you receive from Five Lamps it’s easier than you think! Five Lamps promotes and delivers a very good service and I’m very satisfied how I’ve been looked after. I can’t praise staff, in particular Ian Garforth, enough!”
The New Enterprise Allowance is a DWP contract for people on Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or lone parent income support.