SJ Mullan Joinery Service

For some people, redundancy can be a tremendous set-back, but for others – such as local Strabane man Sean Mullan – it can mean the chance of a lifetime. With the support of Invest Northern Ireland's Go for it programme, Sean formed his own company SJ Mullan Joinery Service.

Since then, business activity which includes making and supplying garden sheds, playhouses, decking and fencing, has been brisk.

"So far, so good," said Sean, who offers his services to other contractors as well as working for private clients. "If I make the same amount of sales in the coming year as I have in the year gone by, I'll be happy."

"When everyone was talking about layoffs, downsizing and downturns, I took time to consider my options," said Sean. "The building trade was suffering, but I knew I had good skills and plenty of experience. I was determined to make a proper go of it.

"I have always wanted to work for myself and being made redundant gave me the spur to start my own joinery business."

Knowing that starting out alone would be a full-time commitment and a potential change in pace, Sean was keen to do as much homework as he could. Part of that homework was to prepare a realistic business plan that would underpin and guide future growth.

His first stop was Invest Northern Ireland's Go for it programme.

"What struck me most," said Sean, "was how competent, knowledgeable and approachable the Go for it team was. Although I had a broad understanding of what would be required, getting all the questions I had answered quickly really helped me to really move things on.

"Course material and advice on topics such as how to get started, book-keeping, tax, cash-flow and marketing was very sound, comprehensive and relevant, while the atmosphere in which it was presented made the programme all the more enjoyable."

"The course was also supported by a local business specialist, who advised me about many of the practical aspects of running a business on a day-to-day basis."

Although based in Strabane, Sean regularly takes his services farther afield and is no stranger to customers in Londonderry, Belfast or in towns across the border.

"In this climate, you've just got to go where the business is," said Sean. "I'm my own boss now. I'm the only one that can make it work – but I'm determined to do that."

The Go for it programme is provided by Invest Northern Ireland and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund. For details, log on to: www.goforitni.com.