Following our Start-up Story Series, this week Abi spoke to Cariann Jones from Wize Virtual Admin!
What did you want to do when you were younger?
I was quiet indecisive actually! I wanted to do something that was sport or exercise related so that’s what I did my degree in.
What inspired you to start your own business?
We (Wize) were involved with ICE from the beginning and then off the back of that we saw that the start-ups that were coming in needed support with running their businesses.
What were you doing prior to Wize?
Everything! I was teaching PE in primary schools, working in a gym and running my own fitness classes! I was basically doing anything that was available.
What have you found most rewarding about Wize?
The growth! Seeing the business grow, being able to take people on and give them jobs. A lot of the people that we’ve taken on were in a similar situation to me, their degree had nothing to do with what they’ve ended up doing.
What have you found most challenging about running a business?
Keeping on top of everything. The bigger we’ve grown the more responsibility I’ve had to take on. As we’ve grown so has our workload.
Where do you see Wize in 5-10 years time?
Still based at ICE, but maybe with another few offices, more staff but still providing a good service to our customers.
How did you find your niche?
Just by being based at ICE, really, and seeing the need for support. Wize is constantly evolving to meet the growing needs of the entrepreneurs and small businesses we work with which is how we have developed such a wide range of services.
Do you have any tips for starting a business?
Go for it and give it a go! Maybe try working part time while you develop and grow, that’s what I was able to do, but then from there as long as you want to do it you’ll make sure you get to your goal.
If you could would you do anything differently?
No, I don’t think I would!
Thank you Cariann! If you would like any more information on Wize you can follow them on Twitter or Facebook or go to their website