Ken Kelly

Ken's company carries out computer sales and repairs. The business was started in December 2006.

The Challenges

Ken has suffered from poor health and had not been able to hold donw a regular job for the past twently years, since he was sixteen. He felt he needed help with dealing with the challenges of running a business, tax issues and organising accounts.

The Support

The Edeal mentor suggested Kent went on a business start up course where would would learn the different aspects of running a business including:

• Developing a business plan
• Stock control
• How to price your product and service
• Organising accounts and cashflow

Following the course, the mentor visited the business on a regular basis to ensure that things were running smoothly and to help with any issues that had cropped up. This allowed Ken to concentrate on developing the business knowing that he had expert help on hand whenever he needed it.

The Result

The business started in December 2006 from Ken's front room. In June 2007 the company was able to move into a shop in Eastbourne. Ken now employs people who also suffer from disabilities, enabling them to develop skills and improve their lifestyle. Ken's bank has voted the business one of their top 50 developing companies and he says: "Although the scheme has now finished, the mentor is still there to help with any challenges I may have. I now have my own business, am in full time employment, my compnay is doing well and am able to offer jobs to people who have similar disabilities to me. This would not have been achieved without my mentors support"