Business Grow keeps Eric covered

After being out of work for three and a half years, Halswell's Eric Thomas realised he was unlikely to land another job. Taking matters into his own hands, he started working from home as an upholsterer. Assisted by Businessgrow, a service of the Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC), Eric has developed Halswell Upholstery into a thriving business.

"The first year was tough, but we made enough money to live on and since then things have grown," he says. Business Grow helped, initially with a small business seminar. "It was very beneficial, helping make sure all the right systems are in place. It's all common sense really: writing out quotes and doing your accounts regularly. If you work for yourself it can be easy to let those things slip," says Eric.

Mentoring is another Business Grow service he has benefitted from.

"Another person to offer advice and experience helps give perspective to particular problems the business might have," he says. Eric is considering moving into larger premises, and hopes to be able to take on more staff where CDC will again assist with its job placement service.

For further information on Business Grow, or any of CDC's other services, call 379 5575.

September 1997 City Scene ~ City Scene Archive