An Alarming Heritage
David & Michael Skinner, from Hartlepool, engaged with Five Lamps in April 2017 on the New Enterprise Allowance programme through Job Centre Plus.
Their business idea was to start their own Fire and Security alarm company, a path they had both first set out on in 2005 when they apprenticed for their father’s own alarm business.
Both have since gained years’ of experience in the sector, working for some of the most well-known firms in the region. But each held a dream of starting out on their own and doing it their own way.
Working with Five Lamps, David & Michael attended free business training workshops covering the essentials of; Business Planning, Customer Service, Pricing, Legalities and Bookkeeping to ensure they were up to date and had the greatest chances of success.
Working with their Five Lamps Business Coach, Simon Coe, and with a little help from their Father’s in depth knowledge, they drew up their own market research and business plan.
Now David and Michael have realised their ambition and have begun trading as SSS Fire & Security Ltd with a ‘burning’ ambition to be the best!
Of the support they received, David said:
“We’re very grateful for the help received from the team at Five Lamps. It’s given us more confidence and inspired us to go out there and make a success of it”
Michael also stated:
“It’s been a long held dream to start-up on our own and do things our own way. And do them the right way. The help and support from Five Lamps has made the journey much easier”
When asked if they’d recommend Five Lamps, both resoundingly said YES!
The New Enterprise Allowance is a DWP contract for people on Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or lone parent income support.