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Local business in the fast lane

David Atchison is enjoying being in the driving seat after setting up Atchisons Driving School.

David, from Washington, decided to shift gears and become his own boss after previously being an internal salesman before moving on to become a Sales Rep for a builders merchants, which was where David first got the taste of being on the road.
David, 41, had always wanted to be self employed and a small windfall on the People’s Postcode Lottery in November 2011 helped David set the wheels in motion.

David visited the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) to see what help was available where he was appointed Business Adviser, Chris Craig, David explains:
“I would meet up with Chris at the BIC once a week where he would give advice and guide me on things that I was unsure of like registering your business and tax. The help I have received from the BIC has been fantastic. Having Chris there to answer all my questions at only a phone call away has been wonderful.”

Business Adviser Chris Craig said: “David was very passionate about making it on his own. We sat down together and discussed what would be beneficial to him and from this he attended a free seminar on how to make your business a success. We would meet once a week to discuss business topics he wanted more knowledge or guidance on. It is such a pleasure to now see him as his own boss.”

David can now work his business around his wife, Linda, and four boys, aged 8 – 18. Linda, who recently qualified as a teacher, can start to look for work herself now that David can do the school run. David said:
“It’s great being your own boss; I have so much more flexibility and I am now used to not having a set routine, although one thing I haven’t changed is keeping my Saturdays free so I can help coach my son’s football team Washington United FC Under 8’s.”

The North East BIC offers a wide range of products and services to support the needs of anyone who wishes to start a new business, and assists over 150 enterprises in getting off the ground each year. To contact the business support team call 0191 516 6149 or emailbusinesssupport@ne-bic.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .