Job loss saw Nigel driving forward
A MIDDLESBROUGH entrepreneur has transformed the disappointment of redundancy into a new vehicle delivery business that has generated £400,000 in its first 19 months.
In April 2007 Nigel Anderson founded Teesport-based Anderson Vehicle Movements (AVMUK) after losing his high-flying job running the North-east and Scotland divisions of United Fleet Distribution, a Birmingham car delivery firm.
After a string of contract wins with Hertz, Evans Halshaw, Inchcape, VMax and Jet Logistics, the former transport manager for Bells Stores is looking to generate additional revenues by introducing a vehicle storage facility and a car valeting service.
He said: “Being my own boss has changed my life. I have learned not to take things for granted and I’d rather try and fail than sit on my backside collecting dole money.”
Specialising in the transportation of vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, the company employs three part-time administration and IT specialists and contracts work out to 12 drivers.
Mr Anderson, who lives in Carlin How near Brotton, received £1,000 from the Redcar and Cleveland enterprise team to help with initial start-up costs.
Rose Bailey, a coach on the enterprise team, also provided mentoring and support. She said: “Nigel is an ambitious character, who is not only hugely experienced in this sector, but who also remains enthusiastic about the vehicle transport business. Our role has been to provide him with the business know-how, funding and advice needed to take it forward.”
Cllr Mark Hannon, cabinet member for Economic Development at Redcar & Cleveland Council, praised Mr Anderson for his entrepreneurial talent.
He said: “AVMUK is a prime example of how entrepreneurship can be an option for anyone, regardless of their previous experience or personal circumstances.”
