1. What does your business do?

We provide training - both face-to-face and by distance learning – in a range of subjects.

2. What inspired you to set up your business?

The need to pay the bills!

3. What was your career prior?

I was a college lecturer and before that was involved in writing and journalism.

4. What was the market like when you set up your business?

To be honest, I don’t know and I don’t care. My belief was that if we delivered good services, then it didn’t matter what anyone else was doing. I never pay any attention to my rivals – time is better spent developing my own business than worrying about theirs.

5. Was it necessary to research the market before getting started?

Experts would have said ‘Yes’. But as I said above, I had the firm belief that if I did things well, then the business would succeed.

6. Did you need any special training/qualifications for your business?

I guess the whole of my life and career up to now laid the basis of what I am doing now.

7. Was it essential?

Yes, definitely.