Fleetwood plumber, Peter Goodlad thought his career was at an end when he had to take more than 12 months off work with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The condition means that Peter, who had previously been fit and healthy, has severe pinching in the nerves in his wrists which causes numbness and tingling through to the area of the hands. The narrow passage between the forearm and hand is called 'The Carpal Tunnel', hence the name of the condition.
Pete says "I'd been a plumber for nine years and although my doctor advised retraining I was determined to carry on plumbing. It's all I've ever known and wanted to do, so I decided to look at the possibility of starting my own business. That way, I could work under my own steam, deciding when to start and when I'd had enough".
Pete met with Mike Burrell a Personal Advisor at Shaw Trust who was so impressed by his determination to get back into work that he immediately assessed him as 'job ready' and passed his details to colleague Dave McKee, a Recruitment Advisor.
"Dave also listened and understood what I was saying, so rather than find me other work, decided to support me in becoming a self employed plumber" says Pete. At Dave's suggestion, Pete drew up an action plan for starting his own business and after recovering from two operations to his wrists in March 2004, presented these plans to Dave and Judy Ainley of Job Centre Plus. "I must have made a good job of it", said Pete "because they agreed to share the cost of my "must have" tools…some several hundred pounds worth!... and for a company registration."
"It wasn't plain sailing but my relationship with Judy and Dave grew stronger and stronger and without doubt, their belief in me, their advice and encouragement spurred me on through lots of ups and downs whilst preparing my business".
Pete started trading as Aqua Plumbing in the Fleetwood area on 4th May 2004 and since then, his business has really taken off. "Things really are going great for me at the moment but I couldn't have done it alone. As well as Shaw Trust, my wife Frances is another fantastic source of help, when I get home and have a million things to do for the next days work, her encouragement and rock solid support have meant everything to me".
Pete's workload has now increased so much that he has taken on a part time worker; "Judy Ainley had recently referred Carl Hopkins to Shaw Trust. Carl has one eye and had been going through bad bouts of depression. Dave rang me up and introduced him to me as a potential employee. I was really impressed with Carl during his interview and had no hesitation in offering him a job."
Carl said, "I cannot believe how things have moved so quickly for me, and working with Pete is just fantastic. I'm learning so much from him." Carl has now applied for a position on a "Foundation Certificate in Plumbing and Heating" course at the local College which Shaw Trust will also help fund.
Shaw Trust Employment supports people on incapacity and sickness benefits who want to move back into work. For more information call free on 0800 085 1001.
