Instead of sinking, he swam harder
Starting his own marine academy for would-be skippers and divers took initiative, planning and many hours of work
AWELL-thought out business plan and a blessing in disguise – in the form of losing his job – was all the inspiration needed for Peter Deyzel to start his own maritime academy.
Having been in the maritime industry for more than 25 years as a skipper and diver, Deyzel, 50, lost his job as a manager of a diving company in 2013.
However, he then decided to look for investors to start his own diving school.
And after securing an investor who now sits on the board of directors, Deyzel established Marine Training and Consulting in 2014.
What started as a small school offering swimming lessons and a glance into the world of a skipper is now a fully-fledged academy.
Deyzel has since developed his own curriculum, making the course a “stand-alone entity” for would-be skippers.
The company employs four people permanently and two contractors.
What is your core service?
Our core business is essentially training skippers and recreational divers.
We then enhance their training to improve their abilities through first-aid training, radio training and even swimming training for those who cannot swim.
What made you venture into this type of service industry?
I have always been involved with the ocean and realised there were so many opportunities out there but a lack of training was creating a barrier for people to utilise these areas.
When did you see the opportunity to establish Marine Training and Consulting?
I had always had a plan to unite marine-related companies to offer better services to the industry and when I lost my job as a manager of a diving company in 2013, I saw that as an opportunity.
To me that was proof that something positive could come from a bad situation.
What makes your business unique?
We listen to our customers and try and meet their needs as best we can.
Service delivery is also an important factor.
If someone wanted to copy your business model, how would they start?
A solid business plan and to have been in the industry for a while.
What are some of the biggest inhibitors your business faced before getting off the ground?
Creating awareness for your brand while you are still trying to keep to your marketing budget.
Any tips for budding entrepreneurs or new business owners?
It is hard work. You must be prepared to work 24/7 as things do not happen overnight.
What are some of the biggest challenges in running the day-to-day side of the business?
Cash flow, pushing sales and finding new avenues to market the business.
What are some of the best practices you have followed that have made your business successful?
Commitment, building relationships with clients and companies to improve my product, service excellence and competitive pricing.
How did you decide on pricing your services?
I looked at my costing and I used marketing-related pricing but made sure I could meet my margins.
What types of advertising do you use to market your services?
I use a lot of social media, we have a website and we print out pamphlets.
When I lost my job as a manager of a diving company in 2013 I saw that as an oppor tunity