Veg-i-Van
 pictured in his Veg-i-Van with Kickstart business advisers Helen Hoyle and Andrew Gibson.jpg)
Name: Mick Fowler
Trading Ward: Holmewood
Business Name: Veg-i-Van
Background of Business
Twenty years ago Mick Fowler, now 42, was a driver for a Bradford produce supplier so he knows his way around the city's St.James wholesale market. This knowledge led to an idea that has recently changed Mick's life.
After spending six months out of work, Mick's partner Anita encouraged him to give self-employment a try, in a bid to escape from the dole queue.
Mick, who lives in Holmewood, had never thought about being his own boss but picked up a Kickstart leaflet from the Hope Centre in Holmewood and called the number.
Support Journey
An initial chat with Laisterdyke-based Kickstart enterprise hub co-ordinator Usman Manzoor led to talks with Andrew Gibson, the local business coach with Kickstart partner BizFizz. Andrew took Mick's business idea of running a community mobile fruit and vegetable home delivery service to the Holmewood BizFizz panel, who offered their full backing.
After helping Mick to plan his business, organise insurance and open a business bank account Andrew introduced him to Meg Heath and Helen Hoyle, at the Business Enterprise Fund. They arranged financial support for him, enabling him to buy a van, fit it out and pay for his initial stock.
Where are they now
"Running my own business feels good. The support I have had from Kickstart has been brilliant,” says Mick, who started his business in less than three months. “I would advise anyone with a business idea to contact Kickstart for a chat. I never dreamt I would run my own business and it feels great.”
“I get up at 4am to be at St.James’ Market when it opens at five,” says Mick. “And because my overheads are low I can sell fresh fruit and veg at very competitive prices.”
He added: “I have always been passionate about the kids on the estate getting their healthy, 5-a-day access to fruit and veg – that’s one of the reasons I decided to set up Veg-i-Van.
Mick now supplies customers in Bierley, as well as Holmewood. He plans to expand to other parts of the District, buy more vans and be able to offer jobs to other people. For a man who had to join the dole queue a few months ago that is a remarkable achievement.
