Taxi man driving forward after losing his job
a taxi service which provides personal and corporate travel packages in the East Durham area.
The father-of-two launched his venture earlier this year after taking a year out and enjoy some time on the golf course, walking his dog and going on holiday with his wife Vivienne.
After applying for a taxi licence and insurances. he spoke to East Durham Business Service (EDBS) to see what support was available.
EDBS adviser Hina Joshi worked with Neil to prepare a business plan.
Neil said: “I am loving working for myself and thanks to my brother in law, who is also a self-employed private hire driver, I am gradually building up my customer base.
“When I lost my job at Walkers after 32 years, I did wonder what I was going to do and now I am working for myself, working the hours I want to, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“It’s so rewarding seeing my business grow and my next target is to secure myself a few more business clients in the Peterlee and East Durham area.”
Neil, who lives in Peterlee, bought a Skoda Superb with the redundancy money he received from his time with Walkers.
Hina Joshi said: “Neil is a real inspiration to anyone who has found themselves out of work.
“After having a break and some time to himself, he knew he could make a real go of self-employment and it’s great to see his business growing.
“We would encourage anyone who is in a similar position, or even those people who are employed but think they have an idea which they could turn into a viable business, to come in and see me to have a chat and
get the support which could see your entrepreneurial dream become a reality.”
For more information visit edbs.co.uk or call 0191 5863366.