Member Article

IT specialists connect to BIC to launch new venture

A trio of mature IT graduates from Tyne & Wear have connected their talents to start a home computer repair business; with help from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) to get it off the ground.

Dave Carney, aged 42, Andrew Wright, 40, and 38 year-old Kamil Bodzanowski, who all gained honours degrees in Network Systems from the University of Sunderland in the summer after deciding on a change of direction, have teamed up to launch BCW IT Solutions to take control of their future career paths.

Dave said: “We first started talking about going into business together after Christmas. As we were all mature students we were concerned about the job market and whether our age might go against us.

“We decided that maximising our expertise through self-employment would be a way around this potential issue.”

BCW IT Solutions provides mobile PC and lap top repairs and network security, primarily for the home user, and has also introduced virtualisation – a new technology for the domestic market – to provide the business with a unique selling point. The technology provides users with a duplicate Windows environment that can be saved externally offering added security and data back-up.

The enterprising trio, who before embarking on their degree all held alternative careers, Andy and Kamil for Nissan and Dave in pharmaceuticals for the NHS, are planning to expand their offer over the coming weeks to target the small to medium enterprise (SME) market offering, maintenance services, website design and security services such as firewall (including VPN) to businesses in the region.

“We intend to be as flexible as possible depending on the requirements of the client, and to evolve with the constant changes in technology within these areas,” Dave added.

Keen to give the business the best possible start, Dave, Kamil and Andy made contact with the BIC for help with the start-up process. Andy had previously completed a work experience placement as part of his training at the business support organisation so was aware of the help available.

The fledgling entrepreneurs received support with developing their business plan, had help to access funds through the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme and were signposted to a number of courses including legal issues and financial awareness to broaden their business expertise and prepare for self-employment.

Andy said: “I knew from spending time at the BIC that they’d be able to help with the fundamental aspects of setting up a new business and we weren’t disappointed. We’ll continue to access support as we take the business to the next level, targeting the SME market.”

Chris Craig, business adviser at the BIC, said: “Dave, Kamil and Andy have been a pleasure to work with and it’s great to see them developing the home repair side of the business while boosting their expertise to capitalise on the SME market.

“Self-employment can be a real and viable option for people of all ages, at different stages in their career and BCW Network Solutions is a prime example of that. I wish them every success as their business evolves and will continue to provide advice and support to help them succeed.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section