Into mid-decade of the 1970s, and at 16, started as a “Saturday Boy” (the term used in those times) in the men shoes department of traditional family-owned established departmental store. Left secondary school at 17 with
1 O Level to my name and joined the same as staff management trainee with one day a week spent at college.
Another decade over and into the 1980s. I Worked for two companies in this decade. Which were both manufacturers of radar and aerospace parts. Attending centres of further education in the evenings to gain more qualifications
We are into the 1990s. Took the big leap of faith and established my own Limited Company in 1990. As a management consultant for the next few years was able to see various models of business applied for different industries including Oil & Gas. This included being involved with the Piper Bravo project to replace the Piper Alpha platform that was hit by disaster with many lives lost. Foreign travel involved, which was initially an adventure and then became very tiring. No glamour in business travel, as more time was stuck at airports or even 18 hours of a coach journey travelling across North Africa to a civil engineering project in another staff position.
Then my working life changes – I am asked to transfer my staff role from North Africa to Norway to be involved in a global project that would change my perspective on company systems and information technology. This led to business trips in Europe, USA and Canada
Between 2000 to 2010, with this decade still undertaking overseas travel. Continued with further education and achieved a Level 3 (equivalent of an A Level) diploma qualification in Education enabling to be recognised as a Trainer of Information Computer Technology (ICT) .
As a civilian specialist, flying to Afghanistan with the RAF to Kandahar and Kabul – more than once! Being inside in an armoured vehicle convoy from the green zone to red zone to another location. All to deploy a system including end-user training to British Army officers and other ranks. On one business trip to Afghanistan, I was there so long that I qualified for the OP HERRICK Operational Service Medal (OSM). After I came back, I felt I had been on a roller coaster and it was hard to adapt back to normal office life again.
So took another leap of faith after extensive researching and purchased an automotive franchise and operated as a sole trader. Was initially excited by the adventure ahead. But the worldwide financial crisis was occurring and affected my business through 2009 as prospective customers did not want to spend money needlessly.
The beginning of a new decade and took the difficult and realistic decision to close my franchise business down. However, was contacted by a client to undertake a specific deployment of a procurement system for an Oil & Gas company which took me to Aberdeen and Paris.
Mid-decade, I am engaged with teaching a new IT system to police officers and staff in two constabularies and both projects had to be stopped and delayed, then unfortunately unemployed afterwards. Took a staff job out of desperation and was so over qualified – they told me so! I left, so became unemployed again
By 2017, still unemployment and was accepted for a job in McDonalds! At the same time, another personal learning journey begins with teaching “an old dog new tricks” in beginning studying for a Level 3(equivalent of an A Level) Digital Marketing Diploma by City & Guilds – 18 assignments and 3 projects to complete, oh what have I committed too! Decided, to create a simple UK Limited Company to undertake assignments with clients within my experience and skill sets. Also, I was able to practice my new emerging skills of using business social media.
Into 2018 and back to teaching police officers and staff again. An amazing learning and development project and enhancing police systems at the same time. So, humbling to witness dedication with long service commitment including in-depth knowledge and experiences that were valuable with this deployment.
Pastures new in 2019 with a new client to assist in training their customers with their automotive system. This meant varied travel across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.
This forthcoming year of 2020 and the new decade was looking promising. Then the pandemic came and my business effectively went on pause with no client work. Had a simple idea and researched it well before deciding to register it myself online. Beginning the process journey of a new UK Trademark.
Into 2021, I hope that the UK trademark that was granted last year will turn into a recognised brand on the launch of a new e-commerce website.