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Kirkby stroke victim
supported into new business venture by Government programme
A computer expert from Kirkby has the
media told how
a Government programme helped him overcome a mini-stroke to set up his own
successful IT company.
Brian Tierney, 44, was referred to the Work Programme, delivered in Kirkby by
public services provider A4e, after 3 years of unemployment and ill health which
had left him feeling depressed and anxious about his future.
He said:- "I like being active and earning my own money. I had been
struggling to find a job when I suffered a mini stroke 18 months ago. I have
recovered from that but I need to be careful about managing my stress levels and
needed to find something that would be flexible around my health needs. I
just wasn't getting anywhere, I couldn't find anything."
He had not thought of self employment until his A4e Work Programme advisor
suggested it.
"When I was sent to A4e I thought they would make me apply for lots of
jobs whether they were right for me or not. Instead, they helped me with money
towards smart interview clothes and listened to what I needed. My advisor,
Arthur, suggested I try self-employment. I had many skills and much experience
in IT and had run my own computer repair shops before but I didn't have formal
qualifications and my health problems meant I couldn't take on a normal 9 to 5
job. I hadn't considered setting up my own business before but it made perfect
sense."
A4e helped him write up a business plan with minimal start up costs and will
continue to support him to the end of his 2 year Work Programme enrolment.
Brian said:- "It is going brilliantly, I am flying. If anything I have too
much work and it's all been through word of mouth.
I had superb advice from Arthur which I followed to the letter and it has really
worked. I couldn't have done this one my own, I wouldn't have known where to
start.
Together we drew up a plan to develop the business at the right pace for me. I
started working from home and have now moved into an office and I'm interviewing
for an apprentice.
Arthur is still on the end of a phone for me whenever I have a question which
makes me feel I'm not going out on my own, I have the support I need to make
this work. I feel a million times better than I did this time
last year. I have belief in myself and belief in my business. I feel I am
building a future for my family. I know it will be a while before I can start
drawing a decent wage from the business, my expectations are realistic. But I am
confident that going forward, I will be able to provide for my family. I didn't
want my children to grow up seeing their dad dependent on benefits."
His business,
TTOline.Co.UK, designs and hosts websites and offers
branding and social marketing services. He is now supporting other A4e customers
moving into self employment by offering IT services at reduced rates.
Brian also works for free for the charity
website which buys
gifts for children undergoing treatment at Liverpools' Alder Hey hospital in
memory of a little boy with Cystic Fibrosis who died of leukaemia aged just 9.
The Work Programme, now in its 4th year of operation, provides tailored
support for unemployed customers who need more help to undertake active and
effective job seeking.
A4e has been working hard to establish an excellent team of professional staff
with a range of specialist skills to support individuals across the UK. The
flexibility given to service providers by the Work Programme has meant that A4e
has been able to create a number of innovative programmes and specialist
training to support local customers.
A4e is delivering the Work Programme on behalf of the Department for Work and
Pensions (DWP) and Job Centre Plus.
The Work Programme is part funded by the
European Social Fund (ESF). The ESF in England is investing in jobs and skills;
focusing on people who need support the most and helping them fulfil their
potential. |
