Business Start Up Case Study 1

Sky's the limit for ChipsAway

Ex-weapons technician Jim Hughes from Lossiemouth has proved the sky's the limit as his ChipsAway franchise has recently expanded by putting another van on the road.

Jim started the business four years ago by purchasing a license from ChipsAway - which offers mobile paintwork repair service in Moray for vechiles that have been chipped, scratched or dented.  His second van has allowed him to expand and take on another ex-RAF serviceman Bob Laughlan.

Jim said: "I'd always has an ambition to start my own business and I looked into a number of options before settling on the ChipsAway franchise.  With advice from my local bank, I also produced a business plan which helped to clarify my thoughts and gauge how successful the business could be".

"At the time, it was a major investment which is why effective planning was essential. The hours are long but the results have been worth it. Four years on, I'm delighted with the results".

"My advice for anyone thinking of starting their own business is to spend some time looking further into it and use all the resources that are available to allow them to do this. That includes investing wisely and making the best use of their time before they leave the RAF as setting everything up takes time. Don't dream it - do it. That's my advice".