Warrington man launches his first business a year on from redundancy
Warrington man launches his first business a year on from redundancy
A 57-year-old man from Warrington has launched a commercial catering equipment business a year on from redundancy.
David Keeley, from Woolston, launched Fidelis Food Services Equipment in October. Fidelis is the only firm in Warrington selling commercial catering and refrigeration equipment. It is targeting the North West and UK with its products.
David said setting up in business seemed the best option after a year long effort trying to secure employment.
“After I was made redundant, my first thought was to get another job,” he said. “I had worked in the commercial catering services as a sales and technical manager for 22 years and in my last job was the regional sales manager for Europe and the Middle East. The recession was in full flow and I made every effort to try and secure employment through going the job centre, applying to companies online and even attending trade fairs. I then joined a job club which advised me that setting up in business might me a viable option and told me to contact Blue Orchid.”
With years of experience under his belt David had a clear idea of the business he wanted and contacted Blue Orchid who helped him develop his idea.
“I attended several courses about health and safety, workplace mentality, confidence building, sales and marketing and presentation,” he said. “This really helped me to further develop my skills after working for my last firm for 15 years, I needed a refresher course. I was then given a business advisor who worked through my business plan and helped me to develop an online presence.”
David believes that meeting clients face to face is the best way to develop his business complimented with the selling of quality, energy efficient products
“I have been contacting all relevant businesses in the local area and this has helped me develop around £40,000 worth of quotes in the first 6 weeks of trading,” he said. “I hope to make more contacts throughout the North West and become the number one commercial catering equipment supply business.”
David’s support was delivered though the ISUS programme, which is provided by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and delivered by Blue Orchid in Warrington. ISUS is part of Solutions for Business, the Government's package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow. The programme is funded by the NWDA, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and backed by Warrington Council.
For more information on Fidelis Food Service Equipment visit its website www.fidelis-fse.co.uk , email enquiries@fidelis-fse.co.uk or call 01925 810903
