Christine takes care of business
A CARER who set up her own business providing a range of personal services is steadily growing her client base throughout Mid Argyll.
Christine Brown, 41, from Ardrishaig, launched her own private care venture earlier this year with support from Business Gateway Argyll and Bute. She is now travelling across the region offering her customers tailored support to encourage independent living.
Christine’s Personal Services provides a range of assistance including shopping, collecting medication, cleaning, meal prep and even overnight stays for people of all ages.
Through word-ofmouth her business has got off to a flying start, with Christine already thinking of taking on a member of staff to cope with demand.
She said: ‘Working as a carer I felt that there was a need for a more personal and less timebound service that allowed flexibility and offered different services for various needs. I loved my job and I knew that if I did it properly, my business could be very popular. Within five days of me officially setting up, I had enough clients to keep me busy and it’s continued to increase week on week since.
‘I wanted advice from outwith my family and friends who all told me it was a great idea, so I went along to Business Gateway for expert support. My adviser Donald was fantastic and his enthusiasm and confidence in my idea encouraged me to take the leap.’
Christine’s clients vary from elderly people who need someone to pick up medication and those in rural areas who struggle to leave the house in bad weather, to those wanting some help during the night and assistance with domestic chores.
Christine added: ‘I can dedicate more time and energy to what each of my clients need, making them feel important and putting them at ease. Sometimes all they want is someone to drive them to the supermarket or enjoy an afternoon cup of tea and a chat.
‘What connects them all is a desire to remain in their own house and enjoy some independent living and that’s what I’m aiming to help them with.
‘I get so much satisfaction from my work and it’s lovely to see someone feel more comfortable in their own home because of the help I can provide.’
Donald Melville of Business Gateway Argyll and Bute said: ‘Christine has benefited from our one-toone advisory support, accessing our expert advice on business planning, cash flow forecasting and potentially becoming an employer in the future.
‘As Christine continues to grow her business we’ll be on hand to help her develop.’
To find out more about Business Gateway call 01546 808363 or visit bgateway.com/ argyll-and-bute