A change in circumstances prompted Paul Richards from Abergavenny, Wales, to start his own company.
An ex-publican, he had previously used his van to collect stock from the cash and carry. When he left the hospitality industry, he came up with the idea for a house removal/clearance and office relocation business after having to furnish his new home with limited funds.
He now clears houses and sells the reusable items. Although the work to date has all been in his local area, Paul hopes to branch out further afield. He is also looking at the best ways to use his time.
Needing support, he found PRIME Cymru and Derek Duddridge of HSBC became his mentor. Derek joined PRIME Cymru in March 2011 as part of the British Bankers’ Association Mentoring Initiative.
Paul found that Derek’s guidance made a real difference to his approach to business. “Derek helped me look at the bigger picture to maximise my service to its fullest potential. He suggested things I hadn’t considered, including asking other businesses in the area if I could cover holiday or sickness absences – this hadn’t even occurred to me!”