Workology

A CMMS Consultant and a Web Designer I hear you ask!

Well here's the story. My background is in computing/electrical/electronic engineering and computerised maintenance management systems. In 2001 I decided to go self-employed when I took a severance package from Polaroid (UK). As many of you will be aware Polaroid no longer exists as the instant imaging company it once was. Digital photography put paid to that!

Anyway, since I was just starting up after 9/11 the marketplace (and the whole world) was depressed. There was very little work coming and I had time on my hands so I decided to learn a bit about Web Design so that I could build my own website (www.pemms.co.uk). This I did and it was - well - just about OK! I soon realised that a website can be the most important part of a small business. When there is no money for other forms of marketing a website can be crucial to the success of self-employed people and small businesses.

As a result I decided to delve deeper into the world of web design. As I did so I realised that even a beautiful website was as useful as a chocolate teapot if no one could find it. The answer was Search Engine Optimisation or SEO. I studied this avidly and realised that I was quite good at it. My CMMS consultancy website went from strength to strength and business started to come in.

My ex colleagues and other learned about this and a couple of themasked me if I could build websites for them. I did so and recognising another opportunity (securitiy in diversification) I created Toucher Web Design (www.toucher.co.uk) as an associated business. I must have got in at the right time because this quickly took off too and I got quite a few web design commissions. This success has continued until today. The Toucher Web Design website usually generates as many enquiries as I need but I now have a colleague who shares the workload/ Let's hear ir for Jimmy Campbell (thanks Jimmy).

Perspective CMMS continues to generate work for me in the Maintenance Software business, while Toucher Web Design also goes from strength to strength. The only problem is that I am pushing 60 and no longer have ambitions to be a multi millionaire. that is why I often pass on enquiries that I think are too big or too much hassle for a small business like mine.

• StatusLooking to network

• Availabilitywhatever

• LocationWest of Scotland and home based - I won't move at

• Salary ExpectationsI only work self-employed / Hour

Skill Tags

All you need in on www.pemms.co.uk and www.toucher.co.uk/portfolio.htm.