Doing your own thing

Conventional wisdom holds that it is sensible for Service leavers to work for someone else before starting their own business. They can learn how the civilian world operates at someone else’s expense, and experience the realities of cash flow, VAT, equal opportunities, premises expenses and marketing before they become responsible for them.

Or, many will say, go for a franchise (featured in this month’s edition). At least you will get support from an experienced organisation that will help you through your early learning curve. You will receive assistance with critical business factors that you may not identify for yourself, and be able to take advantage of a tried and tested model that has been successful elsewhere.

Quest does not disagree with this advice; indeed we have trumpeted it many times so that readers really do think through the dangers of entering an unknown world with an untested idea and an often unknown customer base. Add to that dangerous mix a lack of grounding in critical success factors, and the potential problem is obvious.

But – and it is a big but – an immediate start-up may be something that a few people can do successfully. Among them are the highly specialist engineer, IT wizard, sports international and very senior officer; although not all of them manage to use their personal expertise commercially. Indeed, the word ‘consultant’ can sometimes describe a very occasional assignment and a great deal of downtime.

However, there are some people who can turn a hobby or interest into a new career. Even while they are serving, a few individuals are developing or running their own businesses. They have simply taken this thought and put it into operation before leaving the Forces. We know of serving individuals who, with the full knowledge and agreement of their commanders, have opened diving schools, managed waste management companies, written books, conducted battlefield tours and expeditions, ran catering operations and let properties.

Clearly, it makes sense to test your bright idea while you are still earning a salary in the Services, if possible. And the rules allow people to have outside interests providing that their CO agrees and that the activity is not liable to bring the Forces into ‘disrepute’. So, budding entrepreneurs who are able to put their plans into practice can consider doing so while they are still on their Service salary – between tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, of course.

Mostly, these ideas will be for small, niche services. They are unlikely to involve a product, because the manufacturing, sourcing of materials, patenting, technical specification and the 101 other elements of producing a physical object and selling it to the public are just too great and costly for it to be a one-man or even ‘band of brothers’ start-up operation.

Ideas may be based around military skills, or something quite different and personal. For example, the team who have established British Military Fitness exported training that is familiar to every Service person to the outside world. In contrast, other Service leavers have developed treasure hunts in and around towns and cities, formed small TV production companies, produced souvenirs and insignia, and opened specialist shops.

A glance at the sports lining up to be considered for Olympic status confirms that what used to be niche activities are entering the mainstream – just as the shelves of bookshops and the magazine stands testify to growing and diverse uses of leisure time. More and more people are enjoying interests, hobbies and activities that used to attract tiny audiences. There is room for individuals and small teams to seize on an interest and exploit it commercially. However, few activities nowadays can avoid training and certification, safety checks, occupational standards, user groups and formal organisation. So there are opportunities for enthusiasts in comparatively narrow sectors to earn a living doing what they enjoy. It may not be much of a living at the outset, but sector growth can rapidly improve it.

As well as the franchising article that has already been mentioned, this month’s edition looks at recruitment agencies – what they are and how to use them, as well as some possible employment roles in that sector. The security industry has for years enjoyed obvious Service connections and been a good employer – if one ignores some issues of low pay and cowboy behaviour. Both government and industry leaders are cleaning up its act, and even the nightclub bouncer now needs formal qualification.

As a major employer, the rail industry has always had close connections with the military, as its uniforms, terminology and structure suggest; while oil and gas exploration and delivery have many trades and skills in common with Armed Forces people. Driving instruction and health & safety also attract a fair number of Service leavers, and much military activity is relevant to both career fields.

Finally, we look at the Civil Service. With its departments and agencies, it employs vast numbers of ex-Service people in trades and professions across virtually the entire employment spectrum. Some of its establishments are truly cutting edge, and able recruits can rapidly work their way up an employment structure that is less formal than many people may imagine.