Redundancy: I started my own successful business after being furloughed

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in redundancies and left many people struggling to find work. We talk to one woman about what she did after she was let go.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the livelihood of millions of people, leaving many out of work during a difficult time.

In many cases, people have been made redundant after months of being on furlough and unfortunately, it can be more difficult for some to find work again.

Analysis from over 50s community website Rest Less found that unemployed people aged over 50 are two and a half times as likely to be out of work for at least two years, compared to workers in younger age groups.

“Prior to the pandemic, the over-50s made up nearly half of the entire self-employed workforce,” commented Stuart Lewis, founder of Rest Less.

“As the pandemic continues to decimate the jobs market and unemployment levels continue to rise, we expect more and more over 50s, many of whom find themselves at the back of the jobs queue for no reason other than their age, to turn to self-employment.

“This might be to fulfil a long-term entrepreneurial ambition, to work more flexibly, to pursue a passion project, or simply to take advantage of the unexpected opportunities arising out of lockdown for creative entrepreneurs to flourish.”

While finding new work after being made redundant can be intimidating – especially as we're still in lockdown – some people have used it as an opportunity to pursue what they’re passionate about.

We talk to Sandra Ackland, 50, about how she bounced back after losing her job.

If you’ve sadly been made redundant, our detailed guide on what to do next could help.

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‘It felt like the right time’

Ackland has worked in the promotional merchandise industry since she was 17 and was working in sales when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

In March 2020, she was placed on furlough and said she had a "gut feeling" she wouldn’t be kept on. Unfortunately, her hunch proved correct and she was made redundant at the end of June.

While this was disappointing, Ackland started putting plans in place for a new business during her time on furlough.

At the time, it was simply an idea she was working on, which blossomed into the Brilliant Branding Company, which primarily sells vacuum drink bottles, but also merchandise to individuals and business.

“It felt like the right time,” said Ackland.

“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long, long time. I felt ff I didn’t do it now, I never would. ”

In order to keep money coming in, she worked at a bar and did housekeeeping part-time while getting her new business off the ground in her spare time.

As she had worked in the promotional industry for years, Ackland felt confident that she had the skills to set up a business selling personalised vacuum bottles and merchandise, including face masks and notebooks.

Thankfully, her efforts have paid off as The Brilliant Branding Company has generated around £70,000 in turnover since August 2020, which includes the sale of 10,000 face masks.

Ackland is optimistic about the future and recently spent thousands of pounds bulk ordering bottles that she plans to personalise using new machinery.

Coronavirus: how one business adapted and thrived in lockdown

The biggest challenge

After being put on furlough, Ackland said she wanted to "get her life in order" so she started talking to a life coach, who also specialised in business advice and guidance.

“I spent a good [amount of] time of my furlough taking advice from a business coach,” commented Ackland.

“The biggest challenge was not knowing where to start!”

She would have regular Zoom meetings with her coach to discuss her business – and by the time she was nearly ready to launch after investing an undisclosed amount in her venture, she was made redundant.

Ackland believes that her business coach was vital in helping her build her business as she helped her gain the skills to set up The Brilliant Branding Company.

For example, her coach taught her how to use accounting software from QuickBooks and gave her tasks to do that would be essential in building her business.

But while she has learned a lot, Ackland admits there were some technical aspects of the business that she struggled with, including social media.

After trying a social media course, she decided to pay someone else to handle her social media channels, including running a campaign.

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‘Don’t let your age hold you back’

While Ackland has been exceptionally busy setting up her new business, she feels that she now has time to do what she wants to.

“I have a better quality of life now,” commented Ackland who says she was lucky that she had savings to invest in her business.  

Setting up her own business has taught her a lot, including understanding her own strengths.

“Focus on the bits of the business you enjoy and only invest what you comfortably can,” she advised.

“And don’t let your age hold you back!”

She believes it’s good to delegate parts of the business if it’s not one of your strengths and preparation is key.

For example, she recommends researching your idea and finding out whether other companies are doing a similar thing, or if there is a market to tap into.

Ackland also recommends using a life or business coach if you’re not sure what to do next, as they can offer essential guidance and advice.   

If you’ve sadly been made redundant, our guide on what to do next could help.

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