Business Start Up Case Study 4

Networking the key for business services

After 37 years in the RAF, Mark Pilkington who was a nimrod captain left in January 2006 to start his own book-keeping service called Hempriggs Business Services Ltd.

Aimed at small businesses and limited companies he offers a comprehensive range of business services from payroll to personal tax returns.

He said: "When I started my career, it was a choice between the RAF or accountancy, therefore when I knew I was to leave the RAF, there was really only one avenue that I wanted to pursue. Having completed a diploma in book-keeping which the RAF helped fund, I started the business straight away".

Prior to starting in business Mark attended a business start up course which helped him put a business plan of his proposals together. This helped crystallise his ideas and project the cashflow and potential profitability of the proposed business. He also received a business start up grant from HIE Moray over the first six months of trading.

Mark says: "I'd recommend those leaving the RAF to start thinking and planning as early as possible. If they plan going into business they should make use of the excellent and free resources at HIE Moray".

"Initially, it takes a while for you to build the business up and I try to make the best use of effective networking with others to generate business. Building up your reputation takes time but with hard work the benefits are there to be reaped".