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Father starts up Solar Signs & Graphics after wife’s death
A bid to solve the problem of childcare after the death of his wife has led a father of two to quit his job and set up his own business. Scott Walker, from Thorpe Marriott in Norwich, lost his wife Jayne to cancer five years ago, leaving him to become both mum and dad to their two young children. He gave up his management role at a vehicle signs and graphics company, and reduced his hours.
But despite cutting back, increasing work pressures meant 36-year-old Mr Walker was forced to quit his job at the firm to look after his children. Now he and friend Dean Easter, who was best man at his wedding, have decided to brave it on their own and launch their own business. Solar Signs and Graphics, based in Roundtree Close in Sprowston, started trading on August 3, and is already on its way to reaching its target of £6,000 in the first month.
Speaking about how his life changed after his loss, Mr Walker said: “I went from being a normal person, to becoming both a mum and a dad to my children. I also went from being a manager to an employee. “When you have been an important player in a company and then drop down, you lose a bit of your self-respect.” Mr Walker’s wife was 28 when she died on August 28, 2010 of melanoma cancer, just four months after being diagnosed, and the day before their second wedding anniversary.
Esha, now six, was aged just one, and Maddic, now 10, was five. Although Mr Walker was able to cut down his hours to care for the children, increasing pressure to go full time meant he eventually handed in his notice. But now his children are free to come and go, and older son Maddic occasionally helps out. For business partner Mr Easter, 45, of Lyng, near Dereham, who comes from a background in the sign trade, the increased flexibility also means he can work around his family life. “This industry is very proactive, people want things done quickly,” said the father of three. “We have got to earn a living, but it is nice being in charge of your own hours.” After an initial investment of £12,000, and help from Broadland District Council, the duo hope to reach a turnover of between £96,000 and £120,000 a year. They have carefully chosen the new work unit, opposite an electrical wholesaler, to catch passing trade.
For further information:
Unit 9
Roundtree Close
Norwich
Norfolk
NR7 8SX
01603 484648
http://www.solarsignsandgraphics.co.uk
info@solarsignsandgraphics.co.uk
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