Private eye Michelle is a big success
Jan 13 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette
REDUNDANCY and relationship heartache sparked the launch of a private investigation business that is set to generate £100,000 in only its third year.
Ormesby woman Michelle Bullock established Eagle Eye Investigations in March 2007 after breaking up with her long-term partner, being made redundant and facing life on income support after finding no job flexible enough to fit around the needs of her son Joshua, who turns five in January.
But adversity brought the best out of the plucky 32-year-old, who came up with her business idea when a friend asked her to carry out discreet detective work on a third party.
She signed up for Job Centre Plus’ New Deal for Lone Parents scheme, which allowed her to trial her idea for six months while still receiving state benefits, and gained advice on taxation and general business issues from InBiz.
Michelle, who works from her home in Coulby Newham, says: “I was in a jam because every job I looked for didn’t really cover the bills and the childcare costs. The best thing about running a business is the flexibility of being able to fit working hours around my family life.
“The support from Inbiz and the Government scheme was invaluable. I don’t think people realise what help is available for business start-ups.”
This support, which also included an £800 grant from The Prince’s Trust, gave Michelle time to establish a client base that includes loss adjusters, insurance firms and pub companies and spreads as far as Nottinghamshire to the Borders.
With plans to double last year’s turnover to £80,000- £100,000 by March 2010, Michelle has no regrets about starting a venture in a field where she had no experience - save for a few months in BT’s fraud department.
“Initially, getting the work in was the biggest challenge but nobody has questioned my lack of experience,” she says. “It’s best if you’re young when you start a business - otherwise you reach a scary age when you think your dreams have passed you by.”
