Father fills vacuum with successful start-up business

Simon Owen, from Fagley, set up Vacs4Spares to make full use of two decades’ experience in fixing vacuum cleaners with support from the council’s Kickstart service, which helps people become self-employed.

And business at the GRID enterprise centre in Low Moor is so brisk for the 48-year-old, he’s looking to take on a second member of staff.

Mr Owen, who worked as a supermarket night manager and an electrical contractor prior to finding himself out of work, was assisted by enterprise coaches Mike Whitehouse and Shelley Tasker in getting Vacs4Spares off the ground.

He said: “As a supermarket manager you’ve got 100 people to look after but that is totally different to running your own business because you face everything yourself head on.

“That’s why Kickstart was so useful – it gave me the support and knowledge I was missing. The enterprise coaches helped me find suitable and affordable premises, supported me with marketing and finding investment.

“Everything has built from there but the coaches stay in touch and check on my progress and I know they are always available as a sounding board.

“Business keeps growing so I will definitely look to take on either an apprentice or a full-time member of staff after Christmas.”

He has been able to build up an extensive stock of parts, covering all the major hoover brands.

Coun David Green, executive member for regeneration and economy, said: “Simon is a great example of how Kickstart can provide the building blocks for people who want to go into business on their own.

“His success creates a virtuous circle because he is now looking to take on another member of staff as his business grows which provides a further fillip for the local economy.”

In the past five years, the Council’s enterprise programme has supported more than 1,500 new businesses and has created more than 5,000 jobs.

Further information about Kickstart can be found by calling 0800 953 9503 or e-mailing [email protected]