Name: Mohammed Iqbal

Trading Ward: West Bowling

Business Name: MI Gas Services

Business Address:

145 Round St, Bradford, BD5 7HS

Mobile: 07999 430445

Background of Business

Mohammed Iqbal has just started trading as M.I Gas Services and is a Corgi registered heating engineer. He had previously worked for more than 25 years as a process engineer but was made redundant in 2007. The company got together with the West Yorkshire Training fund to provide £1,250 towards training. Iqbal put in some of his own money and also received £500 from Bradford Trident. He attended Wakefield Skillcentre and successfully achieved his ACS gas qualifications, subsequently going on to gain his Corgi accreditation.

Support Journey

Getting his technical and industry qualifications, although difficult and costly, was just the start. Iqbal had already decided he wanted to work for himself and build his own business, but had no experience at all of self employment. He turned to Kickstart who were able to help him in many ways. He received one to one advice from a business adviser which directed him towards the training provided through Bradford Chamber, specifically on marketing and book keeping. He got further advice on pricing and for his business plan and has now set on his own accountant. He will get further support towards the cost of business stationery and leaflets. This is something he is currently working on and when completed will help him to promote the business locally.

Where are they now

Iqbal has been up and running on his own for two months now and is trying to grow the business to bring in more work. His confidence is growing as he does more jobs and gains experience. He is also keen to undergo further technical training that will allow him to take on a wider variety of work. He has identified boiler repair and solar energy for hot water as areas for potential growth and is keen to develop these. However, he is caught in the dilemma for many start ups between the need to work and earn, and the time and funding needed to develop new opportunities. He is particularly appreciative of the advice and support provided through Bradford Kickstart. It has helped him get things organised so that he can offer a professional service to customers and manage the business side of his affairs such as book keeping and accounting.
 
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