June Beswick

Until she started up her own business June Beswick had spent the majority of her career working in customer services - so when she was recently made redundant it provided her with an opportunity to try something new.

"It seemed like an ideal time to try out a new venture" said June, "after being made redundant I knew it would be difficult to find a new job, so I decided to have a go at becoming my own boss."

55-year-old June has always been interested in music and drama - so when an opportunity came along for her to buy a franchise Musical Steps she decided to take the plunge. Through Musical Steps, June provides fun and creative music workshops to babies, toddlers and pre-school children up to the age of three years old.

She said:

"At the moment I am holding classes in the Southport area and deliver them through nurseries, church halls and at other venues. I am hoping to move out to other areas in Merseyside before long.

"During the sessions mums bring along their babies and young children and we do a number of fun activities including unaccompanied singing, movements and I have a sound sack and a song box that I use."

Prior setting taking over the franchise, June undertook market research into whether there would be a need for such a business - and her research revealed that mums were looking for somewhere to go with their young children.

"I saw an opportunity and I took it" said June, "my research showed that mums were keen to take their babies and pre-school children to different activities in the area and I felt sure that Musical Steps would be popular with them".

"From the sessions I have delivered so far I have had excellent feedback. The mums really enjoy bringing their children and the little ones seem to get a lot out of it. The sessions are also a good way of showing mums techniques that they can continue at home with their children."

June came to Train 2000 for help and advice in setting up her business. She added:

"I have always worked in customer services and undertook office based work, so this really was quite different for me. When I went along to Train 2000, I received one to one advice and the service I got was excellent. It really helped me to feel confident about what I was doing.

"Becoming self-employed hasn't been easy, but I'm so glad I did it. When you are employed you get used to regular pay coming instead of having to go out and actively look for work all the time."

But, despite that, June says she loves running Musical Steps and believes it is the only job she has ever truly loved working in.

If you are interested in finding out more about Musical Steps and to see if classes are taking place nearby, please contact June on 07757 804 922 or email june.musicalsteps@yahoo.co.uk.