Jen Howell knew she was good at her job. For 15 years she had built up a wealth of experience in IT, and for the last six years had supported users getting to grips with their computer-based accounting systems. But when her employer decided to change software suppliers, she started to look around for other positions.
It soon became obvious that her skills were not the issue. It was her age (she’s in her mid fifties) that appeared to put off potential employers. Job offers matching her experience were not coming forward. So, like many in her position, for whom ageism in the job market is alive and kicking, she decided she would be more secure creating her own job.
Jen set up as a sole trader doing pretty much what she was doing before – supporting Sage clients. But she decided to also diversify into more general IT training and bookkeeping services.
That’s where her firm Books in Boxes originated. Jen knew that many small businesses dread the prospect of preparing the annual accounts. And this is where Jen comes in. Throw you receipts and invoices in boxes and out of the chaos she will create order.
Says Jen, “I’ve always worked. I’ve had a regular monthly income for 40 years. So its disappearance is naturally a little daunting. But this is no hobby for me. My business, Books in Boxes, has to provide a living for a good few years to come.”
Her local Business Advice Centre, partnered with PRIME through Business Link for Northumberland, suggested she entered for the Enterprise Island Challenge, which is a half-game, half-competition business award then being run in the region. 120 would-be entrepreneurs entered from all over the North East and Jen was one of the final 10 chosen.
“Being chosen to take part was quite exciting”, says Jen. “It was confirmation that other people believed I could set up a business. It’s been a very worthwhile experience because I wouldn’t have started my business by now, otherwise.”
Her tip to others thinking of striking out on their own? “Keep active and learn new things the whole time. It’s amazing what’s out there, if you look for it”.
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