Terry Barnett

Name:

Terry Barnett

Business:

Barnett Safety

Web site:

Years in business:

0.5

Number of businesses:

1

After starting out as a bricklayer I went on to work for various companies as a building site tradesman, through to site management into health and safety as an advisor and then as a manager for a subsidiary of a large multi national company.

But in May last year I found myself out of work. It was very frustrating; I had a large number of qualifications and experience in the field. One day it struck me, ‘Why use my expertise for someone else? ‘Why not do it for myself’?

I attended an employment presentation at my local enterprise agency. It really opened my eyes to the support that was available and gave me that boost of confidence to seriously think about starting my own company.

I then went on a new entrepreneurial scholarship at Durham Business School, completing an NVQ Business qualification. I started Barnett Safety early this year.

The business is a health & safety consultancy. It identifies and assesses risks for surveying organizations, highlighting possible improvements, practices, procedures and technical control measures needed to comply with correct legislation.

The business provides a full safety management system; tailored to the needs of the client. Large companies have trained safety personnel but SME’s tend to fall through the cracks, I fill that need by providing a cost effective service in various forms such as free health and safety checks, consultancy and advice, audits, training, inspections, review and incident investigations.

Running your own business is very demanding but the job satisfaction is in a different league. Knowing that you stand on your own two feet and that the success you achieve is wholly down to yourself is one of the most fulfilling and satisfying feelings you can have.

You have to be fairly headstrong though. If you loose your way you can become extremely frustrated and nervous about your security. It’s important to really maintain your belief and to get back up whenever you get knocked down.

Making mistakes is the best way to learn. I underestimated the need to establish a clear brand. I’m now in the process of creating the ideal brand for the company but in hindsight I should have done it well before the business took off.

I’ve become an anorak about health and safety. I’m constantly researching the topic and keeping on top of different legislation announcements. I think my clients appreciate the fact that I’m very knowledgeable of the sector.

I never wanted ‘millions’ but just to be able to provide a comfortable living for myself and my family. I feel getting the business up and running is a huge success in its self. I’m constantly looking to secure new business opportunities and I want to eventually get to a stage where I can look back and think…I’ve done it!

Owning your own business if rife with challenges that you have to overcome. The main obstacle I’ve had is being organized, because when you’re the only person in the business you have to do everything. General admin and keeping the books in order has proved to be a real challenge as I find doing those sort of tasks hard, and frankly boring.

I’ve had fantastic feedback even at the health and safety training sessions, which don’t tend to be the most exhilarating events.

The only advice I’d give to any budding entrepreneur is simply to go for it! As long as you’re passionate, know the area and believe in your idea you can make a success out of your business.

The support I’ve received has been invaluable. My wife Evan has been a major player in my success. My daughter even helped design the company logo. I’ve also received help from Wear Valley Enterprise and the CDDC.

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