Could You Give Yourself A Job?
Exemplas’ Employment through Enterprise programme is supporting individuals who are registered on the Pathways Programme with Reed in Partnership to return to economic activity via self employment and business start up.
David Kinninmonth is inspirational. Recovering from a broken back would be challenge enough for most people; but, it hasn’t prevented the former builder, from learning an entirely new skill - and then turning this skill into a profitable business.
With the help of the Exemplas’ Employment through Enterprise programme, David’s business continues to grow from strength to strength; and, his story illustrates that self employment can be the perfect solution for individuals who have experienced barriers to employment.
It is, indeed, possible to give yourself as a job.
David Kinninmonth, a member from the Raynes Park Reed in Partnership office, has been receiving support through the Employment in Enterprise programme from Business Advisor, Rabi Martins.
Currently trading under the ‘permitted work’ regulations, David has launched an innovative onsite PC and Laptop Service, TDKComputing, offering a comprehensive range of computing services to individuals and small businesses across London and the South East. Responding to a lucrative and well spotted gap in the market, TDKComputing promises to be a successful venture – and the culmination of a long and difficult journey for David.
A New Direction
David’s career as a qualified builder was brought to an untimely end in 1997, when a horrifying industrial accident resulted in a broken back; a long and difficult recovery – and a total change in direction. Unable to return to his original building business, David started considering alternative career options – and discovered computing.
In the 1990s, computers were a growing market and, with the foresight to identify a potential opportunity, David decided to focus on this area. With the help of a computer, provided by the Leonard Cheshire Disability Charity, David began developing his computing skills, starting with home learning - and then moving to his local college, accessing learn direct and completing an Open University degree - to build up his knowledge of all things computer related. After successfully completing the basic computing packages, David’s interest in computers was fuelled – and he began to look at the skills that he could develop in order to support computer repairs and support.
Looking For An Opportunity
Initially hoping to gain employment through his new skills, the return to independent living proved far harder than David anticipated. Despite an impressive array of qualifications and an equally impressive level of determination, securing work proved virtually impossible; and, 7 years of failed job applications left David feeling “demoralised” and stuck.
He describes the impact of not working – “it really gets you down” – and the frustration of “watching your skills and hard work go to waste”, as particularly difficult periods for him – but also an incentive for his exploration of self employment. Not one for wasting time or talent, David took the initiative and, using his past experience of self employment as a model, begun to develop TDKComputing as a viable business.
Giving Yourself A Job
Whilst computing was a new sector for David, the principles of self employment were familiar; and, with some help and advice from friends and family, David was determined to ensure that his skills were put to good use. He created a robust business plan through which he was able to secure an initial business loan from his local bank, and then joined the Employment through Enterprise programme after being referred to Reed in Partnership by his Disability Employment Advisor at Jobcentre Plus.
TDKComputing puts David’s knowledge of computers and networking to excellent use, offering individuals and small businesses an extensive range of services, from network installation to virus and spyware problems. Using his ongoing experience as a volunteer for ‘The Richmond Fellowship Trust’, where David has passed on his valuable computing skills by tutoring people with learning and/or physical disabilities (either housebound), TDKComputing also offers trouble shooting and 1 to 1 tutorials. Through providing these services onsite, David’s business has a unique edge over much of his competition - and also benefits from much lower overhead costs. With minimal start up costs for premises, David was therefore able to direct a substantial part of the bank loan to addressing his central challenge: “generating customers”.
Through a range of marketing approaches, including on car advertising, leaflet drops and registration with established business directories, David’s customer base is now starting to grow - and “word of mouth” is taking it to the next level. With his first yearly term contact now signed, David is moving closer to his longer term aspiration of being able to return to full time economic activity - and he’s learnt some valuable lessons along the way.
The Journey to Self Employment
When asked about his top tips for people considering self employment, David emphasises the importance of undertaking research – “ don’t just jump in there. Look at the market and look at what your competition is doing” – and, of being realistic about your business’ potential – “lenders aren’t silly: be realistic with your projections”.
With Rabi’s support – “I am really happy with the advice which Rabi has given me” - David has now successfully completed his VAT registration and explored further development opportunities; and, he’s also developing a strategy to ensure that his business can continue alongside his treatment. With a further operation on the cards, David is overcoming the challenge by “planning ahead - we’ve thought about offering telephone support for a monthly charge and found some software that will let me access computers when I can’t move around.”
Finding a New Purpose
Prior to his injury, David had always worked and, through setting up his own business, he is gradually moving back to independent learning – and getting his confidence back: “I now have a purpose each day”. Whilst self employment can be a daunting option for some people, David attitude is upbeat and refreshing - “what have you got to lose?” - and, his story is an example of just how much can be gained through self employment.
Not only is David earning an income again and experiencing a “personal sense of pride when the money started rolling in”; but, he’s also making his central priority – “giving my children a better quality of life” – a reality.