Success stories
Justin Whalley
I wasn’t happy just to sit back and claim unemployment benefit.
Justin Whalley, 37, from Barnoldswick, established his business, Justin Whalley Plumbing and Heating specialist, in January 2010.
He was awarded moneys by No Limits Constructing the Future to help with training and to gain some extra qualifications.
He says of No Limits: "I found the service as useful as you can get really."
Why did you want to start your own business?
I worked for Skipton properties, a big firm in Yorkshire, on and off since I left school doing plumbing and heating. Then the recession came and, last year, I was made redundant. I discovered there’s not much out there at the moment if you want to work for someone else so decided going it alone was the best way.
What was the deciding factor for you?
I wasn’t happy just to sit back and claim unemployment benefit. I wanted to get out there and find some work and the only way to do that was to go self-employed.
How did you get the business off the ground?
Word of mouth mainly. I like to think i’m good at what I do and people are usually very happy to recommend me. I also did some advertising in local papers and magazines to try and build up a customer base. It’s been hard work but well worth it.
Best bits about working for yourself?
When the work comes in the money is definitely better. If you’re working for an employer, you’re on a set wage. If you’re self-employed you can earn in a day what you’d usually earn in a week if the work’s there.
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
Definitely getting my name out there and finding customers. I know I’m a good plumber – I’m neat, tidy, I know what I’m doing and my after sales service is good. It has required a lot of hard work to get my name out there and let people know I’m here and what I do.
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
I probably wouldn’t have worked for a firm for as long as I did. I’d have set up on my own a long time ago. But I’ve done it now I’m looking forward to the future. It’s hard work but the future’s bright I hope.
How does it feel to be your own boss?
It’s great not to have to take any instruction from a boss or anything like that. You have a lot more freedom to do it all on your own terms. But the work has to be there.
Finally, a piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?
I’d say go for it. If you’ve got an ambition just go with it. Don’t get stuck in a rut or a routine. If you’re young you can make mistakes, learn from them and move on.
No Limits definitely helped to give me the confidence to get up and out and get the qualifications I need to be a success. I found the service as useful as you can get really. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them. So I’d definitely recommend seeing what they can do for you as well.
