Plumbing Problems? Wendy’s Your Woman!

Bishop Auckland woman turns entrepreneur as she launches her own plumbing business

Wendy Wilkinson, 40, from Bishop Auckland was unemployed and living on benefits just two years ago. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur running her own plumbing business.

Wendy had suffered from depression for a number of years, and despite being a qualified plumber, found it impossible to secure work.

Desperate to get back to work, Wendy began thinking about self employment. Although she had the practical plumbing skills needed, Wendy had no business knowledge. Wendy sought help from InBiz, an organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship and self employment. At the office in Cockton Hill Road in Bishop Auckland, she was assigned her own business adviser, Deborah Simpson.

Depression had severely affected Wendy’s confidence, and she wondered whether she would really be able to run a business. Deborah had faith in Wendy’s ability, and together they worked on finding a target market, devising a business plan and setting up a bookkeeping system.

With each new skill she learned, Wendy blossomed. Her confidence improved and she began to believe in herself. Before long, ‘Wendy’s Plumbing’ was launched, and the business is growing. Wendy recently installed her first bathroom suite, and is enjoying her status as a businesswoman.

Wendy said, “Self employment is a big step, and there were times I doubted myself, but Deborah kept me on track. She helped me with everything from keeping me motivated to helping me with bookkeeping and marketing. I am hoping to expand into selling bathrooms and tiles in the future. If anyone is considering self employment, I’d tell them to do it. I did it, and it has changed my life.”

Karen Kenmare, Area Manager at InBiz said, “Wendy’s story is a good example of the work that InBiz does in Bishop Auckland. Wendy had the practical skills to start a business, but needed the business knowledge to get started. As Wendy discovered, InBiz advisers don’t just help with paperwork, we also offer advice and help with confidence and motivation.”

InBiz Preess Release