Tony had worked as an auditor for 25 years and was becoming increasingly disillusioned with his own career path then learned that his local picture framer was about to retire. The picture framer agreed to show Tony how it was done and then Tony purchased equipment to set up on his own.

“At this stage it was a hobby but I always wanted it to be more than that and I started to begrudge going to work on a Monday when there were an increasing number of frames to produce in my workshop,” he said.

Tony cut down to part-time auditing work and in 2007 took the plunge and took the framing business full-time.

At this point Tony attended a mentoring session with Engage With Business and then a Basics for Business course at the local council, with much of the content delivered by Engage with Business.

“I found Engage with Business to be very good at helping me to get my head round things by keeping everything simple and explaining in plain English how my business could succeed,” said Tony.

After 30 enjoyable, but stressful years’ of working in advertising, I wanted to experience a different type of career, focusing on my ability to handle and work with dogs. The opportunity arose when I was made redundant in April 2007. I was part way through studying for a certificate in dog psychology and canine behaviour and it felt like the right time to launch a canine behaviour business, with an increase of dog-related information currently appearing in the media.

Alongside gaining my qualification, I researched a number of business ‘start-up’ courses and attended Broadland District Council’s ‘Basics 4 Business’ course, delivered by Engage With Business Ltd. This proved to be a good investment of my time. The course covered everything I needed to know to forge ahead. I applied for and won ‘start-up and enterprise grants’ and Kate continues to be a source of professional advice and support".

I started my business ‘dogconnection.co.uk’ last year. Through home visits, I help owners experiencing behavioural problems with their dogs and, due to demand I intend to start local alpha training classes for young and adult dogs.

My job is as much about people as it is their dogs. I get a real buzz from being able to improve situations for both parties. This also includes some paid-for and voluntary work with the Dogs Trust in Snetterton.

“I’m really glad I made the effort to change what I do and follow a passion. I genuinely enjoy the balance of communication with both dogs and business.”