PRIME business club

After 30 years in finance and leasing, 58-year-old Robert White has started a new trade as a domestic energy assessor.

West Bromwich man Bob spent 30 years in finance and leasing, as sales manager, business development manager, and managing director. With the recession the market declined, and Bob found himself made redundant three times in three years. ‘I didn’t want to rely on others for my employment, and I didn’t want to be made to retire while I was still fit for work’ explains Bob. ‘Self employment was a way to take control.’

Bob’s business IDEAL (Independent Domestic Energy Assessors for your Location) provides EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) and HIPs (Home Information Packs) for the Greater West Midlands area. IDEAL serves local estate and letting agents, housing associations, local authorities, private landlords and solicitor and conveyancing agents, as well as assisting private individuals who wish to get certificates or advice before making home improvements.

Bob says ‘since the 1st October 2008 regulation has changed to state that all properties must have an EPC.’ The certificate grades the building’s efficiency from A-G, showing how this could be improved after recommended modifications. Bob’s services cost around £60 for an EPC, and £250 - £350 for a full HIP’s pack.

Starting up

Bob researched several business ideas including energy assessment, franchising a travel agency, and finding cost reductions for businesses. Bob chose energy assessment because start-up costs were cheaper, and because the training college in Reading, The Energy Assessor College promised immediate work after qualifications had been obtained. This promise never materialised, and Bob has learnt to be wary of small print.

In March 2008, Bob attended a PRIME self-employment workshop. The event included where to go for local support, the basics about starting up, and a networking session. Bob says:

‘It was good meeting like minded people - finding out where they went wrong, and where they went right. We heard one couple talk about their curtain business, and it was interesting hearing about how they did their marketing.’

Business Link provided useful advice about how to manage cashflow and business costs. They provided a cashflow template, and gave Bob some contacts to ring about setting up a website.

Training

In February 2008, Bob did a Diploma in Energy Assessment costing £4,000. Bob studied for about six months, and covered five modules. Exams were taken at the end of each module, and Bob had to talk a lot of friends and family into offering their house up for a practice survey.

After passing his Diploma, Bob became accredited with the National Home Energy Rating scheme (NHER). The accreditation proves that IDEAL meets quality control standards, and allows him to trade legally. Bob pays an annual subscription of £250 plus VAT to be a member of the NHER. Bob’s contact details, website, and services are listed on the NHER site, and can be searched for via postcode.

Marketing

Bob’s main marketing tool is his website. He stumbled upon printing.com while researching local printers. Bob found that the company friendly and keen, and took up the offer of an all-in-one service. Bob says ‘I wanted a professional website to give me a presence. I spent about £1000 and got the website, leaflets, letterheads, compliment slips, business cards, and logo included in the package.’

Bob decided against newspaper advertising after realising it was expensive, and not used by others in the industry. Instead Bob got the word around by knocking on doors and introducing himself:

‘I went to estate agents and letting agents and gave them a business card and flyer. Whether they were interested or not, they all asked for a price.’

Bob’s tip is:

‘Never quote a price. Say “Can I come and see you?” That way, you can understand what the client needs, explain how you will deliver it, and negotiate a good price.’

Age is no barrier

Bob claims that age does not need to hinder, but can instead, be used as a sales tool. Bob is convinced that he got his first deal with a letting agent by emphasising his years and experience, and assuring his client that he would be respectful and professional.

Expanding

A year after starting IDEAL, Bob is looking for ways to expand. One idea is to become a sales agent for renewable energy products, such as wind turbines and solar panels:

‘The changing climate means that these products are already being recommended by the government. It is only a matter of time before they are compulsory’.

Contact

Bob White
IDEAL
64 Europa Avenue
West Bromwich
West Midlands
B70 6TU
Tel: 01215531770
Mob: 07950 786282
Email: robert@idealenergyassessors.co.uk
Web: www.idealenergyassessors.co.uk

Are you over 50 and thinking of starting a business or becoming self-employed? Then come along to PRIME’s FREE taster workshop at Aston University, near Birmingham city centre. View map and directions (PDF)

* Decide if self-employment is right for you
* Hear from older entrepreneurs who have gone ahead and started.
* Meet local organisations that can help you
* Meet and network with your peers

Moe details about the programme and speaker line up will be posted here closer to the day.

Like other events in PRIME’s roadshow series, the emphasis throughout is on helping you establish whether self-employment is the right thing for you. This event is suitable for those still at the ideas stage, and those with a firm plan in mind who are almost ready to go ahead. Find out the practical steps involved and hear from people who have already done it before making the leap.

All PRIME events are free. As a charity we are interested in helping people make the right decision - to start in business or do something else. Our role is to provide you with good information so you can make a well-informed decision.

This event is part of PRIME’s Olderpreneur Roadshow. For list of other cities visited click here.

Are you over 50 and thinking of starting a business or becoming self-employed? Then come along to PRIME’s FREE Essential Enterprise Day in Telford.

FREE presentations by acclaimed National and West Midlands speaker Kate Rigby on “Growing People Growing Profits Growing Your Business”.

FREE Presentation by a Marketing Expert on how to market your business.

FREE Presentation by HM Revenue and Customs on Tax and NI - what you need to know.

FREE WORKSHOPS (4.00pm to 5.30pm - main event starts at 1pm)
New to self employment? Is it for YOU?
Why is business planning so important?

Plus! How to network effectively, and speed networking at the event.

Free Tea and Scones  

 Book your place NOW - call 0800 783 1904

The Open Day programme is the biggest government business support road show, designed to provide free information and support to businesses, through a series of exhibitions across the country.

It is organised by HM Revenue and Customs, who invite local organisations and representatives of national bodies such as PRIME that can provide support and advice to local businesses. The organisations chosen all operate on an “other than for profit” i.e. non-commercial basis.

At this free event you will have access to a full team of experts who provide advice and technical support on a range of subjects, covering every stage of your business from start-up, through growth and expansion to pension arrangements when you retire. Free seminars cover topics such as meeting government regulations, funding, marketing and enhancing your business through new technology.

Click on the link below to find out more and to book your place.

Website Link: http://www.businessadviceday.gov.uk/events/

Susan Port, 57 from Warwickshire started her own business after retiring due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In July 2006 Susan became the UK and EU sole distributor for Babynobumps Ltd, a company which provides safety hats, to protect babies’ heads from bumps and scrapes. Three years down the line, Susan is in talks with multinational retailers Mothercare - a deal that could help babynobumps onto the high street.Susan worked for the Royal Mail for fifteen years, but was medically retired due to COPD. COPD is a progressive disease that makes it difficult to breathe, and so working amongst dust was hazardous to Susan’s health. Becoming self-employed and working from home means that Susan can be in a cleaner environment that is ‘without stress’.

Susan first spotted Babynobumps Ltd while trying to find a hat for her granddaughter. Susan tried to make one herself by copying the design; - a colourful foam safety helmet which prevents babies from harming themselves. Susan thought about how many other babies might need the same protection. Susan emailed the product owner in Canada and introduced herself. A series of phone calls and emails over a two-month period, won Susan sole distribution for the UK and EU. Susan says it was ‘her belief in the product’ and ‘friendly nature’ that clinched the deal.

Funding

Susan had her business plan in place, but there was no financial help to aid start up costs. Susan explains that there were no government grants or loans because Leamington Spa is considered ‘affluent area’. Even though Susan was not part of this affluence, her postcode meant she was ineligible for funding. Susan could not apply for a private loan, because her medical retirement suggested did not have the ability to work.

Susan overcame funding restrictions by borrowing money from her parents, and Babynobumps Ltd was launched in July 2006.

Starting Up

Susan’s first move was to approach Business Link. Unfortunately they were unable to provide much help, and recommended a subsidised consultant from their books. Susan paid money to meet up with the consultant, but found her own research to be much more valuable. Susan advises people interested in self-employment, to avoid using a consultant. She believes that good guidance can be obtained for free via business support groups, banks, and the Internet.

The Internet was an invaluable tool for all aspects of business. Susan used forums such as Giant Potential and UK Parents Lounge, to ask questions and soundboard ideas. The forums are great for research, advice and networking; especially for Susan who shied away from socialising at business clubs. Susan still checks the forums every Friday afternoon to keep her finger on the pulse, and continue to spread the word about Babynobumps Ltd.

Marketing

Susan acquired her own website through 19-year-old grandson Jamie Brown. Using basic html, Jamie was able to create a straightforward, easy-to-use site, which allowed customers to find out more information and buy online. Susan ships in stock from Canada every two months, and sends out her own orders via royal mail. If payments are received before 4:30pm, Susan will get the product out that evening.

In addition to the website, Susan markets the safety hats at baby shows. Similar to craft fairs, a pitch at a baby show will cost around £20, and bring in sales and publicity. Most of these events are local, but Susan has travelled as far as Sheffield to promote the business. The baby shows are a cost-effective way of marketing, and fairly reliable. They are now Susan’s main medium for advertising.

Susan did experiment with newspaper advertising, but suffered a blow when she paid for an advert in a mother and child’s magazine that was not distributed. Trading Standards are investigating the case. Susan found that it was too expensive to market ‘in the right places’, so stuck to word of mouth, exhibiting, and her own website.

Future

Since starting Babynobumps Ltd, Susan has achieved a gradual increase of customers. She has regular clients, and is now in talks with multinational retailer Mothercare. The well-known baby store is considering a new section, providing safety products for children. Susan tells me that 92% of baby items are bought from Mothercare, and that it would raise her profile considerably. But the deal is not straightforward. Wanting consistency and security in their business transactions, Mothercare insist that suppliers purchase a particular invoicing software, priced at £800. If Susan can negotiate a substantial contract, the deal should bring in good profit, get the product into shops, and move Susan towards her ambition of making Babynobumps Ltd a global brand name.

Susan believes that self-employment has brought her the best of both worlds. She loves her work, but does not have to shut her family out. Susan can work flexible hours, instead of being restricted by a 9-5 routine. This means she can take her three-year-old grandson to afternoon nursery school, while still maintaining the business.

Contact

Babynobumps Ltd

6 Denby Close
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 7PS
Tel: 01926 739858
Mobile: 07875151651
Email: babynobumps@yahoo.co.uk  
Website: www.babynobumps.ltd.uk

Date: Thursday 23rd July 2009

Time:  1.00pm to 7.00pm

Venue: The Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, SY1 1UY 

Status: PRIME event

Thinking of starting a business? Planning to be self-employed?

Come to a FREE Essential Enterprise Day

FREE presentations by World Class Black Country Business Guru - Tom Edge on  “AGE IS NO BARRIER”,  ”top tips for setting up a business when you’re over 50″

FREE Presentation by Microsoft Marketing Experts

~How to market your business

FREE Presentation by HM Revenue and Customs

~Tax and NI - what you need to know

FREE WORKSHOPS - 4 to 5.30pm

~Is self employment right for you?

~Why is business planning so important?

Plus a Marketing clinic by Microsoft experts!

Free Buffet

Free draw for a copy of the 70-page Plain English Award winning Essential Business Guide Worth £24.95, 5 copies to be won!

Booking is Essential!

Book your places NOW - call 0800 783 1904

William Cawley, 53 created a heritage walk with a terrifying twist, when he invented the Shriek in Leek ghost tour.

Bill first did the ghost walk in November 2005 as a fundraising event for Children in Need. Over 40 people turned up to be spooked, raising the charity £100. Seeing the opportunity to make money from the venture, Bill began to repeat the event for special occasions like Halloween, and for large groups coming into town.

Bill dresses up in old style hat and robes to set the sinister tone. The tour lasts an hour and a half, with Bill leading the group through some historical landsites, attributing ghoulish tales to them along the way. The groups fluctuate from 3 to 40 plus people, and can be anything from scout groups, international scientists, or supernatural enthusiasts. Bill describes the walks as being ‘like jazz; a basic theme but lots of variation’. While keeping a creepy focus, he tailors the experience to the group; giving out translations for foreign students, and incorporating architecture, literature, art or culture for those with an interest. The tour finishes at a local pub, where participants can enjoy some food and merriment, and sometimes a live band.

Research

With a degree in History and Politics, articles in the Leek Post and Times, and an avid passion for local knowledge, Bill already had a wealth of information, ready to be unleashed on the public. Bill did extra research by placing an advert in the local paper asking for people’s experiences of ghosts in the area. Bill also studied back papers from the Post and Times’ archives, telling him of famous incidents and haunted buildings. Bill keeps his research fresh, so that his tour can change and develop.

Problems

Although Bill managed to do the tour fairly regularly - about once a fortnight, he found marketing a big problem. Without his own website, or help from the local authorities, Bill was unable to get enough visibility to keep the tour consistent. Conveniently, Bill was approached by Julie Lovatt of The Coffee Clique, also in Leek, who wanted to do something special for Halloween. Bill provided his services, beginning the tour from the coffee shop, while Julie stayed open late providing drinks for the returning customers. The pair now works together when there are festivals or events in Leek, and this brings in good publicity and numbers for both.

Though Bill has found ways to advertise, visibility is still an issue. Bill plans to combat this by setting up a website. He has received cobwebs (information for business factsheets) on ‘Developing and creating a basic website for your business,’ and ‘Choosing and using a website designer’ from PRIME which provide tips, advice and contacts for those wanting to explore this area.

Another problem was unemployment. It sounds obvious, but in the period that Bill was signed on, declaring the ghost walk would mean losing benefits, and paying taxes. Shriek in Leek was not reliable enough to replace these funds, so the absence of work meant there was no ghost tour for about 8 or 9 months.

Future

Bill works part time fundraising for local hospice Douglas Macmillan, and part time writing Port Vale Tales; the history of a local football club, funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund. Soon the latter will come to an end, and Bill will think about taking on his business full time. One idea is to invest in a mini bus, which will enable Bill to tour around the Moorlands area. To do this Bill will need funding. PRIME are currently working with Zopa on the Olderpreneur Loan Scheme. You can find details of eligibility and how to apply here. Business Link has information about finance and grants on their website.

Contacts

Bill Cawley
Tel: 01538 382 966
Email: williamcawley55@btinternet.com

Date: Thursday 26th February 2009

Time: 1pm to 6:30pm

Venue: The Bank’s Football Stadium, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, WS1 4SA

 Status: PRIME event

Essential Enterprise Day is a free PRIME event for anyone over 50 who is thinking of starting a business or planning to be self-employed.  PRIME’s programme of free workshops is available on a first come first serve basis.

You can register your interest by emailing prime@ace.org.uk

Black Country Essential Enterprise Day

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

• 1.00 p.m. Arrival/ Registration Refreshments
• 2.00 p.m. Tom Edge – AGE IS NO BARRIER. Top tips for setting up a business when you are over 50. Tom Edge, our ever popular inspirational speaker will present his views on why, when you’re 50 or older, you have a better chance of ‘making it’ in business. Tom draws on his many years of business management, with an action-packed hour of practical tips and advice, interspersed with humorous anecdotes.
• 3.15 p.m. Irene Baines - HM Revenue and Customs Presentation
• 3.45 p.m. Tea /Coffee
• 4.00 p.m. Microsoft Marketing “How to market your business”
• 4.30 p.m. Workshops:  

Five lucky attendees of the afternoon workshop sessions will receive a FREE copy of the award winning Essential Business Guide , worth £24.95. The guide has assembled the combined knowledge of 32 highly-experienced business experts, and is the perfect reference guide for you if you’re just starting out, or if you’ve been in business for many years.

This piece in the Birmingham Post takes as its starting point Richard Branson, but goes on to profile two local business starters in their 50s and 70s. It also refers to recent PRIME research into the extent and importance of older entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile Branson fans can follow his latest adventure at 9pm on Tuesday the 16th of December 2008 on Virgin 1.

Date: Tuesday 20th November 2008

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Venue: The Honey Pot, The Old Curiosity Shop, The Square, Bromyard

Status: PRIME recommended event

 

Social enterprise and co-op awareness day. Drop in any time. All welcome.

Contact Clare Foster at claref@midwest-rural.org.uk  

Date: Monday 19th November 2008

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Venue: The Old Curiosity Shop, The Square, Bromyard

Status: PRIME recommended event

 

Women’s enterprise event. Please contact Clare Foster at claref@midwest-rural.org.uk  

Date: Monday 17th November 2008

Time: 10.30am - 4:00pm

Venue: Shire Hall, Union Street, Hereford, HR1 2HX

Status: PRIME recommended event

Drop-in event in Herefordshire. Contact Clare Foster at claref@midwest-rural.org.uk

Date: Thursday 20th November 2008

Time: 1pm to 8pm, with both daytime and evening workshops

Venue: Molineux Conference Centre, Molineux Stadium (Wolves), Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 4QR

Venue map

Status: PRIME event

Essential Enterprise Day is a free PRIME event for anyone over 50 who is thinking of starting a business or planning to be self-employed. There is an exhibition in the afternoon, while PRIME’s programme of free workshops continues on into the evening.

You can register your interest by emailing prime@ace.org.uk

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

• 1.00 p.m. Arrival/ Registration Refreshments
• 2.00 p.m. Tom Edge – AGE IS NO BARRIER. Top tips for setting up a business when you are over 50. Tom Edge, our ever popular inspirational speaker will present his views on why, when you’re 50 or older, you have a better chance of ‘making it’ in business. Tom draws on his many years of business management, with an action-packed hour of practical tips and advice, interspersed with humorous anecdotes.
• 3.15 p.m. HMRC Presentation
• 3.45 p.m. Tea /Coffee
• 4.00pm Microsoft Marketing “How to market your business”
• 4.30 p.m. Workshops, either a) Tom Edge “How to increase your sales in the slowdown” or b) Martin Sarling “Developing Your Business Idea”
• 5.00 p.m. Buffet, Networking opportunities, Marketing Clinics by Microsoft
• 6.00 p.m. Workshop, Martin Sarling “ Basic Business ICT”
• 6.30 p.m. Tom Edge – Seminar “How to Beat the Recession”
• 7.45 p.m. Questions and Feedback
• 8.00 p.m. Close

FREE prize draw for people who attend PRIME’s daytime workshops

Ten lucky attendees of the afternoon workshop sessions will receive a FREE copy of the award winning Essential Business Guide , worth £24.95. The guide has assembled the combined knowledge of 32 highly-experienced business experts, and is the perfect reference guide for you if you’re just starting out, or if you’ve been in business for many years.

Date: Thursday 2nd October 2008

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Venue: DBH Dudley, Castlemill, Burnt Tree, Dudley DY4 7UF

Status: PRIME event

PRIME is running two free workshops in the morning and afternoon of the 2nd of October, both aimed at people over 50 in the Dudley area of the West Midlands.

The first is aimed at people still thinking about running their own business. It is about whether self-employment is right for you, and if it is, finding a suitable idea.

The second is aimed at both people starting up and those who have already started, and is about the basic computing and Internet tools that can help. This session is run in conjunction with Microsoft’s community technology skills programme.

Lunch is provided.

For more information and to book your place telephone Martin Sarling on 07717 151 168, or email him at martin.sarling@ace.org.uk

Location map

Date: Thursday 19th June 2008, 11:00am to 4:00pm

Venue: The Blakenall Community Centre, Blakenall, Walsall, WS3 1LW

Status: PRIME Event 

Free workshop for people over 50 running their own business or thinking about starting up. Help on working for yourself including, marketing, computing, planning and pensions.

Lunch provided.

To book your place on this workshop Free phone: 0800 783 1904
Email: martin.sarling@ace.org.uk