By Janice Marsh, business adviser:
Many entrepreneurs have the skills and the qualifications they need to run a viable business but need a little guidance when it comes to actually getting started.
Getting a business up and running can seem daunting; tax forms, registering the business, balancing the books and of course the all important business plan. That’s where we come in. We have over 20 years’ experience in helping people start their own business ensuring our clients are fully prepared, and being there for them every step of the way.
Local Joinery service Homefix Joinery
This was the case with Marc Hodgkinson, who is an experienced joiner. It’s fair to say that Marc knows his trade but had never ran his own business. Now Homefix Joinery is established and working all over the North East so I caught up with Marc to discuss how he took his business from an idea to reality.
Describe your business?
Homefix Joinery is a local joinery service based in Sunderland, offering repairs, maintenance and home improvement. I undertake all joinery works around the home no matter how small.
Where did your idea come from?
It started when I left school with an apprenticeship in joinery. Then in my last employment I took on the role of team leader so I was managing a team of joiners rather than completing the jobs myself. I gained lots of experience in managing jobs but missed carrying out the work and having a hands on role. After five years I decided I wanted to be my own boss and go back to doing what I love and do best. That’s when I visited the BIC.
What is your unique selling point?
When I started out I knew that there was a host of other self-employed joiners out there and that I had to offer something a little different to stand out. The business needed to be very customer focused, and that’s been my main aim. I am always upfront with pricing and as it’s not always possible to give an exact price, I’ll do my best to reassure the customer by giving ballpark prices for standard jobs ensuring the customer is confident what the final bill will be.
What help did you receive from the BIC?
A friend recommended that I came to the BIC after they had met with a business adviser before starting their own business. As you know they assigned you as my adviser and the help I received has been amazing, I got help with writing my business plan, pricing policies, bookkeeping and also when and how to register my business. I learned so much in a short space of time, and feel at ease that I have done everything legally required, and that the BIC are just a phone call away should I need any advice in the future.
What are your company goals?
I would love to take on an apprentice one day and pass on my skills to them.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Follow your dreams and visit the BIC. They will give you the guidance you need.
For more information about Homefix Joinery visit http://www.homefixjoinery.co.uk/
The programme run by the BIC is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.47m ERDF investment. Working in a consortium led by North East Enterprise Agencies Ltd (NEEAL) local Enterprise and Development Agencies in the North East have matched this ERDF investment with £1.47m of their own funds.
To arrange an appointment with a business adviser here at the BIC please call 0191 516 6149 or email businesssupport@ne-bic.co.uk
