New Options Educational Taskforce Ltd
New Options Educational Taskforce Ltd is a local training provider offering educational programmes to schools in a positive and proactive way to help under achieving learners gain essential qualifications.
All are accredited programmes each carrying GCSE performance points therefore providing valuable points for the school and more importantly, an accredited qualification for the pupil.
Antonia Sherrat-Mcgrane, Holly Robinson and Pea Pflasterer, the trio behind the business are all specialists within education and training. Turning to Success Doncaster for business support they received help with their business plan and also enrolled on a business start-up course.
Since February 2010 more than 300 young people have completed their qualifications with the business currently boasting a 100% success rate. Thrilled with these statistics, New Options have put their success down to the high quality, yet cost effective service they offer. Each programme is unique and bespoke to suit the school and the individual.
We asked Antonia, Holly and Pea about their experience in business:
Who / what was your inspiration for starting in business?
Our company idea formed when it became apparent there was a definitive niche in the market to help under achieving learners in schools. At the time, we were all working within educational settings and noted how many young people were being sent to intervention centres as a need for engagement and alternative curriculum challenges. We wanted to deal directly with the schools and offer a variety of programmes in-house. This would enable the school to monitor progress and achievement effectively.
What has been the biggest challenge for you?
Being a new business meant we had to convince schools of our credentials and capability. Consequently, all schools that have used our services have booked repeat programmes and we have managed to provide qualification attainment for over 300 learners in our first year of trading….and gain Direct Claim Status with one of the awarding bodies. Another challenge has been funding to deliver such programmes as school budgets have been reduced significantly.
What do you like most about being your own boss?
Our passion is to help young people and our progammes focus purely on that. By working for ourselves we can monitor strengths and weaknesses, plus contract volume to determine that we maintain our personal and professional service ensuring success for those young people who study with us.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own business?
Keep pushing and never give up! If you have a good business idea that is unique in the market place and one that you have a passion for, then go for it. Don’t be deterred by negativities and stay focused on what you want to achieve. Help is out there to support you through setting up and to create links with other businesses.
Future plans, where do you see yourself and your business this time next year?
We thoroughly enjoy what we do and so more of the same would be great. We hope to offer local communities accredited courses to help with regeneration and low employment figures and form stronger links with local companies.
For further information please telephone 07873 214792 or email: newoptions@hotmail.co.uk
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