Jobvox
Brain Richards is in the process of setting up his own business, Jobvox, based in Manchester.
Brian was working for Trinity Mirror in the printing department and saw how employees who were unhappy had nowhere to voice their opinion. He decided to set up an online forum where employees could discuss and talk to each other to try and make the workplace a better environment.
The forum was successful but the managers did not know that Brian had set it up. When the managers found out they saw how the forum was constructive not negative but without an official regulator it would not work.
After taking voluntary redundancy from Trinity Mirror Brian decided to research the possibility of using the idea of an employee forum to set up his own business. A company could buy a forum on the website, which would be private and secure, and choose who in the company would regulate it. This would allow workers to express their opinion on a daily basis and by using the constructive feedback, businesses can improve their performance.
Brian attended a course at Oldham College about setting up your own business, in which Blue Orchid were present. After the event Brian began working with Blue Orchid in Manchester. He is currently working with business advisor Phil Bell at Blue Orchid.
Blue Orchid has supported and encouraged Brian to develop his business idea of an employee communication website. It has offered him training in marketing, advised on his business plan and is also helping him source additional funding. Having the training as well as the support has really helped Brian progress his idea and business.
Brian is hoping to test drive the business with three/four medium size companies taking a forum and hopefully in the forthcoming months will have the business up and running.
