Martin Timbers set up Isle of Wight Design And Print in 2016 with the support of the StartMeUp Over 50s project. Martin tells us his story and how the project helped him to be his own boss.
Being over fifty is no barrier to running your own business. In fact, it can be advantageous! Starting something new can be exciting and rewarding, or so I’ve found after thirty five years working for design agencies, marketing agencies and as the designer within marketing departments of global corporations. When I decided to start IW Design and Print back in January 2016, it was very daunting but also an exciting new chapter in my life. We had recently moved to the island and had some capital to help me get started, something I never had when I was younger.
The very first thing I did was to enrol on the One Day Start-up Course with the Chamber. What I found fascinating was that not everyone on the course was building their business on existing work experience. Many were choosing to start afresh such as one lady who was leaving a career in local government to open a teashop. No experience perhaps but bags of enthusiasm and determination!
I’ve since been working with people on the Over 50s StartMeUp programme and they often tell me that going into business is daunting, challenging, amazing, hard-work but exciting and that they are glad of the advice, help and support on offer as it has helped them gain the confidence they need.
When starting a new business my top tips would be:
1. Develop a good business idea that your research tells you people on the island will be interested in
2. Think very carefully about your marketing approach, identifying who your customers will be and thinking how best to communicate with them whether through a website, social media, advertising, leaflets, brochures and business cards
3. If applicable, think very carefully about the best location for your business
4. Manage your time effectively as you will have many hats to wear including: sales; marketing; administration; accounts as well as providing your product or service to your customers
5. Make the most of networking opportunities by attending a number of network groups on the island. One of the biggest networking opportunities is the Chamber’s monthly breakfast meetings. There are also additional daytime and evening events held throughout the year. In my first year, I have found 95% of my business has come via networking and recommendations!
For me the Over 50s StartMeUp programme has been invaluable in supporting me as I started up my own business, IW Design and Print. In the first sixteen months of trading, it has helped me grow from zero to over forty clients for whom I design, build and manage websites as well as design and print sales and marketing literature, promotional banners and signage all in keeping with their brand.
My mentor, Fiona Grist, has helped, encouraged and supported me from the beginning and I cannot thank her enough. Without her I believe my business would not have grown as fast as it has. Fiona has also given me the confidence in areas where I had no previous experience such as selling and delivering presentations as well as organising my accounts for tax purposes. I really value Fiona’s mentoring and the opportunity I now have to connect with like-minded business people through the networking opportunities she has introduced me to.
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is supporting older people on the Island by providing help and advice on starting a business or being self-employed. The Chamber is hosting monthly workshops and providing ongoing mentoring as part of the Age Friendly Island campaign, an exciting partnership funded by the National Lottery through the BIG Lottery Fund, making the Island a great place to grow old, while tackling social isolation. Find out more at www.iwchamber.co.uk/startmeup
