Redundancy: the best thing to happen

Shaun Clements’ welding and steel-work business Artistic Fabrications is going from strength to strength. But it wasn’t always like that for the cheerful entrepreneur from Bedminster, Bristol.

After years grafting as workshop manager, supervisor, and finally as manager of 15 people and a 1,000-strong fleet of commercial vehicles, Shaun was made redundant just before Christmas 2008.

“I was gutted, but started looking for work immediately. In fact, I was offered a job, but it wasn’t really what I wanted so I thought ‘I’ll have a go on my own’.

“I had no money and no loan, there was just £1,000 in the bank. The whole thing was a gamble. Do I pay this month’s mortgage or give it a go?

“I found a little unit for rent. I had my kit and somehow I found myself in business. I had no customers, so I made some gates for myself! People saw them, came in to chat, and word of mouth took over.”

Get some support

Early on, Shaun went to see Justin Ricks, who runs workshops and training for people considering self-employment at BRAVE, the Bristol enterprise agency. Justin explains how the seminars work:

“We try and give a practical overview of the key things people need to consider if they are setting up in business. We cover the pros and cons because, after all, it’s not for everyone.”

“Shaun found it really useful to find out about the practicalities of starting up his business such as how to register, calculate his tax and find an accountant. He talked through his idea with a BRAVE adviser who was able to provide independent, impartial and confidential support. We’ve helped thousands of new businesses over the years, so we’re ready to answer any questions.”

Shaun: “Last year I won the Alfred Telling award, which is given to a skilled craftsman living in the Bristol area. It recognises the achievements of a new businesses, so I was extremely honoured. Liz Sands from BRAVE put me forward, and I got to meet the Lord Mayor of Bristol. Liz and Justin at BRAVE helped me out a lot when I was just starting out.”

What about the competition?

Bristol is not short of welding services companies. But Shaun has a clear idea about what he offers, and it has paid dividends. Regular customers now include Pilkington Glass, Bristol University, plus five or six big local building companies.

“I give a fair price for a very good service… I do think customer service is important. The work could be making gates, fences or grills. I’ll do maintenance on trucks, work on the railways, and I have even got few snowploughs to fix next week!

“I am booked six weeks in advance at the moment—so I must be doing something right.”

Growing pains

It hasn’t all been plain sailing. A small business without a large bank account has to keep things tight.

“I’ve made mistakes. Here’s a piece of advice: always do a written quote and get a purchase order before you start a job. Some people will try everything to get out of paying you. Get proof of what you’ve agreed.

“I just paid in a cheque that was owed to me for almost three months. So cash flow can be an issue if you don’t stay on top of your bills and get what people owe you on time.

To move the business to the next level, Shaun has recently taken on an apprentice.

“The local college sent over a few work experience students. One lad shone out from the rest, a really good kid called Tyler. I decided to take him on as an apprentice.”

Artistic Fabrications’ apprenticeship is supported by government money that also pays for continued college training for the apprentice.

What would you say to someone thinking about going it alone?

“Give it a go. If you don’t try you’ll never know. Some people are happy in the comfort zone. Working for yourself is not like that: there are highs and lows.

You have to be prepared for the bad times when you’re sitting at home worrying about where the work is coming from next week.”

With a full order book and a new-found freedom, redundancy was the best thing that could have happened to Shaun.

Tagged as: customers, funding, start-up