Jump in at the deep end and build a new life
JONATHAN KEMp spent more than 22 years in IT before deciding to launch his own bookkeeping business.
The 46-year- old, from p ortsmouth, signed up as a student at Ideal Schools — an e-learning college that focuses exclusively on bookkeeping and account - ing — to study to become a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
Five years on, his firm, Balancing The Books Ltd, is a growing success, and he is considering taking on new staff. ‘What I learnt at Ideal Schools gave me the confidence to jump in at the deep end,’ he says.
‘ The college gave me the support I needed to teach myself. It has an impressive reputation and a clear map for career progression.’
Jonathan credits the college’s innovative use of social media for helping him find sub - contractors up to the standard he expects for his business.
‘My clients trust me, and it ’s a great feeling to watch the business grow year on year and to help clients make the best of their cash flow,’ he adds.
Meanwhile, Faye Banks, 37, from Leeds, has spent more than 17 years gaining qualifica - tions with the Open University.
These include a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Engineering and a Masters in Science. She is now an engineering consultant for Enzen Global Ltd.
Faye says: ‘I would recommend the Open University to anyone, because there are so many wideranging courses.’ VisiT idealschools.co.uk and open.ac.uk for details