Starting Your Own Business - Case Studies

Daren Whistler

Aged 28, ex-Royal Engineer Corporal Daren Whistler is a field manager for SUMO Services Ltd. A ten-year Army engagement finished in October last year because he was ready for greater ‘progression and career advancement’ and wanted to ‘reduce the impact of my career on my home life’. As a Class 1 Combat and Surveyor Engineer, he had travelled the world, while also gaining valuable project management experience. He had also enjoyed ‘high levels of responsibility, developing a work ethic and the ability to manage pressure’.

A Career Transition Workshop provided ‘very helpful direction in CV creation and the translation of military terminology to civilian terms. While attending a survey equipment demonstration I met the survey manager for the company I am now with. He asked me to contact him nearer my leaving date as a position might be available. I was invited for an interview and employed as a senior land surveyor.

‘I am responsible for managing land and utility surveyors, including welfare, discipline and employment issues. I assist in the recruitment process, am responsible for staff training and development, and provide technical long-term support and feedback. I hold overall responsibility for profit and loss.’

He enjoys his involvement and input directly influencing the work. High standards and motivation are similar to the Army, but the company is profit driven. ‘My working week is considerably longer but I have greater influence over managing my responsibilities. Current earnings with bonus and expenses are higher than if I had remained in the Forces.’

Published December 2007

Matthew Smyth

After ten years in the RAF, Puma navigator Flight Lieutenant Matthew Smyth, 35, left to start his own business. That was just three years ago and the Cornwall Cosmetic & Laser Clinic that he opened with his wife already operates on two sites with a third due to open shortly.

Service in Northern Ireland, the Falkland Islands, Ascension Island, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan had left him wanting ‘a new challenge’ and to be able to spend more time at home. He now rates ‘all the traits and qualities of successful service as very useful in civilian life. Being self-motivated and organised has been an advantage. Having dealt with many different agencies means that some of the red tape is easier to deal with.’

A Career Transition Workshop was ‘a good course’, as was a two-day workshop on setting up your own business. He also found his local Business Link useful.

Smyth’s aim was ‘to start a business with my wife [an experienced GP and cosmetic doctor], and we researched and prepared for it for over 12 months prior to me leaving the RAF. I am the managing director, dealing with all facets of business. There is nothing I dislike about my new role but, being self-employed, if I don’t do it no one else will. I have had to work very long hours through these first critical years, without the promise of a regular pay cheque.

‘Those who plan to be self-employed should write a solid and honest business plan; all business banks offer a free template. Show the bank the finished business plan and take heed of their comments. Also, test the idea on as many people as possible.’

Published April 08