Turning childhood memories into new opportunities
When Washington-based Chris Larkin was made redundant he returned to a career path he’d first had a taste of as a youngster working with his grandfather.
“I spoke to the job centre about how to go about funding and starting out on my own. They put me in touch with the BIC, who have helped me in areas I hadn’t even considered.”
Where did your journey to self-employment start?
“I used to help my grandad out with his heating and plumbing business before I left school,” says Chris. “I loved spending that time with him and learned so much from watching him work. I always thought I’d end up working with him, but things changed drastically when I lost my mam and took custody of my younger brother.
“I ended up in a pretty stable role elsewhere, but in December 2023 I was made redundant and that forced me to think about what I wanted to do next.”
The 32 year old decided to seize the opportunity and use his redundancy package to help fund the setting up of his own heating and plumbing business.
“I spoke to the job centre about how to go about funding and starting out on my own,” said Chris. “They put me in touch with the BIC, who have been a great source of support helping me get going, they’ve helped me in areas I hadn’t even considered.”
How did the BIC help?
“We met Chris in February 2024,” says Business Adviser, Helen Wardropper. “He already had a great idea about what he wanted to do and a passion for the trade. But wanted some help in setting up on his own and was keen to understand if there was any funding he could access to help him on his way.
“Once we got to know him, we could see he also needed some help with the starting and shaping of business plan and marketing, so we’ve been working closely with him through our Enterprising Sunderland programme.”
“The help I’ve had has been spot on,” says Chris. “I’ve attended self-employment workshops, had help with my marketing and funding applications. The business mentorship I’ve had from Helen has been really fantastic, she’s been with me every time I’ve needed extra help or support.”
What’s next for Chris Larkin Heating & Plumbing?
Working with my grandad all those years ago was what set me on this path. The support and encouragement I’ve had is something I’d like to give back.”
Chris started trading in June 2024 and has high hopes for what’s next. “Things are going really well. I have a gas mentor who is helping me with my final qualifications. I’d love to build partnerships with housing providers, secure five or six big contracts and take on some apprenticeships. Working with my grandad all those years ago was what set me on this path. The support and encouragement I’ve had is something I’d like to give back.”
About Enterprising Sunderland
Chris Larkin’s support from the BIC forms part of the Enterprising Sunderland project which has received £1,271,885 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.
Enterprising Sunderland provides fully funded one-to-one advice, workshops, and an online learning programme. The programme is delivered by a unique consortium of delivery partners in Sunderland working together to stimulate entrepreneurial ambition across the city.
The partnership is made up of the North East BIC, Back on the Map, Sunderland BME Network, Sunderland Bangladeshi Centre, King’s Trust, Smarta and University of Sunderland.
If you’re considering working for yourself and want to understand how Enterprising Sunderland can help you, take your first step and speak to one of our advisers, today on 0191 516 6111. Or click here to find out more.