IT whizz Keith has got the 'HARD DRIVE' to succeed

Submitted by on Thu, 8.05.08

Thanks to his own ambition and the help and support of his Be Enterprising Coach, Keith Ellison, 34, of Moorside Consett, has realised his dream of running his own IT business.

 

HD Computer Centre, an IT repair shop located in Derwent Street, Blackhill, opened in November 2007 and Keith says business is going well.  “With all the recent security scares my first month has been busy with customers who want virus updates and PC protection.  I have a fresh approach to IT and I keep the customer in mind.  They don’t understand all of the jargon and they don’t need to.  I tell them what they need to know in simple terms”.

 

Keith’s business success came following a football injury that left him out of work for a number of years.  Keith decided in order to further his options that he should return to college and re-train.  He enrolled on an IT course at Finchale College and left after gaining more than 10 qualifications.

 

Keith did some voluntary work to build up his experience but was still struggling to obtain employment.  Refusing to be defeated Keith decided to start his own business and open an IT repair shop.  “It wasn’t an easy decision to go self employed but I believed it was one that could pay off”

 

With his mind made up he contacted a Be Enterprising Coach in October 2007 to access some valuable advice and support.  Be Enterprising were able to offer him a start up grant which Keith used towards advertising his new business.  His coach also gave him one to one business advice and support and continues to be involved with the new business. 

 

Michelle Harris, Be Enterprising Coach, said “Keith is a great example of what we’re trying to achieve with Be Enterprising; he is proof that with commitment, motivation and hard work hard small businesses can, and do, start and thrive in Derwentside”

 

Keith says, “I’ve always wanted to work hard and set a great example to my daughter but at times over the past few years I’ve wondered if that would ever happen.  But I didn’t give up, I believed in myself and with lots of hard work and the invaluable support of my Be Enterprising Coach, I truly believe that HD Computer Centre will be a great success”.