Mark Fremantle

Age at time of shift

29

Gender

Male

Education level

Graduate

Universities attended

University of Edinburgh

Shifted from

IT Project Manager

Location

IBM - London

Salary

£30,000-£40,000

Years in old career

5

Shifted to

Business Owner - Tent and Event Hire

Location

London and the South East

Salary

undisclosed

Years in new career

2

Year of shift

unknown

What was your role in your old job?

I had several roles, such is the nature of working in professional services and consulting; The last role I had was Project Manager responible for a public sector contract between IBM and the Office of Government Commerce.

What is/are your new role(s)?

Founder Partner of Oasis Specialist Tent Hire

Why did you change?

Opportunity; new experience

Are you happy with the change?

Yes, though its exceedingly hard work!

What do you miss and what don't you miss?

I miss stability, regular pay package and hours and knowledge that when the day is over the day is over etc.
I do not miss the mundane bureaucracy of the big organisation

How did you go about making the change?

Business plan re. new business; much preparation and research; bank manager meeting

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

Plucking up the courage to go for it

What help did you get?

Mostly parental; talking with friends

What have you learnt in the process?

Everything about setting up a small business and quite a few lessons in life - everything from not to trust anyone, to flexibilty, and that cash is king.

What do you wish you'd done differently?

Nothing so far!! It is early days though, and we were nearly conned out of a lot of money recently.
There are days too when I would like a quieter life!

What would you advise others to do in the same situation?

Have a go, but dont try and do a 9-5 job and set up your own business at the same time - setting up is more than a full-time occupation. Be a cynic. Plan, plan, plan and always have some contingency built into your plan.