Andrew from Aileron Digital Works Ltd: Enterprising Ashfield
Andrew has set up his new business called Aileron Digital Works Ltd, which is a one-stop website design, social media management, digital marketing service and eCommerce setup and management service.
Enterprising Ashfield is being delivered by NTU in partnership with Ashfield District Council and is part funded by the Government's Town Fund. The project provides support to enhance business productivity and improve the skills of local residents and employees in the Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield areas.
I’d been thinking about starting a business for a while but kept putting it off for one reason or another including not really knowing quite where to start. The project gave me the chance to understand what I needed to plan and gave me great advice on how to complete my aims.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your new business?
Our new business is called Aileron Digital Works Ltd, we are a one-stop website design, social media management, digital marketing service and eCommerce setup and management.
How did you hear about the HeadStart programme?
I was told about the HeadStart programme through the job centre after I said I was looking to start my own business. They arranged an appointment with Richard and his passion for what he was doing really came shining through.
What made you want to join the programme and what did you hope to get out of it?
I’d been thinking about starting a business for a while but kept putting it off for one reason or another including not really knowing quite where to start. The project gave me the chance to understand what I needed to plan and gave me great advice on how to complete my aims.
Were there any challenges you were facing going into the programme?
It sounds cliché, but my only real stumbling block was having the confidence to take that final step!
How did you find the content, pace and delivery of the programme?
The way the programme is presented over three sessions worked really well for me, having a couple of weeks to research and prepare in between each session also gave chance to process the information rather than rattling off three sessions over three days!
Has the programme helped get you to where you need to be and what are your plans now for the business moving forward?
It really has, the business is up and running and knowing that a lot of my business costs were covered by the grant means that I am able to concentrate on my work, rather than worrying about making sure my overheads are being paid each month.
Going forward, I’ve got a couple of long term contract already which are going to ensure that the business is sustainable for my future.
Would you recommend the HeadStart programme and Enterprising Ashfield to other people looking to start their own business?
Not only would I recommend it, I already do. I’ve recently been attending another course with Enterprising Ashfield and have recommended it to people on that course too.
How to access the support available
If you are interested in the Enterprising Ashfield project contact the team at enterprisingashfield@ntu.ac.uk.