Liz Mullen
I was living by myself and I really wanted to get off benefits and be independent.
Liz Mullen was on benefits with a strong desire to become self sufficient when she came up the idea for her cleaning business, Dunrite Cleaning. Over the past six years, Liz has recruited nine staff and has built up a range of clients in the Nelson area of Lancashire.
Why did you want to start your own business?
I wanted to be self-sufficient and this seemed like a good way to do it.
What was the deciding factor for you?
I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.
How did you get the business off the ground?
I came up with a name for the business first while with a friend in the front room. I then started cleaning for friends to see if I'd like it and it just took off from there. After a while I also called on expert help: the Community and Business Guardian Angel gave me advice on Health & Safety and Human Resources, especially employee contracts and other basics.
Best bits about working for yourself?
Having satisfied clients who continue to use the company.
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
There were a lot of things I didn't know in the beginning, even around the basics of taking on staff. I also didn't have many IT skills, which I needed to be able to present contracts in a professional way. The Community and Business Guardian Angel found me a suitable IT course and I am growing in confidence with computers now.
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
I would have called in expert help earlier instead of rushing in. But I was lucky, as I had no major staff or safety issues in the early days.
How does it feel to be your own boss?
It's great, although hard work. I have to ensure that I cover for any staff sickness, manage the staff and ensure the quality of work is high.
Finally, a piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?
The buck stops with you so you need to stay up to date with changing legislation, especially where it affects staff and safe working practices.
