Press Activity
3rd March 2011
Please read below a recent article printed in the Bedford Times & Citizen Newspaper "Women in Business" section featuring Marie West.
Marie’s determinationturns an opportunity
into her new company
Marie West comes from 30 years of experience on computing working on operations, project management, service and more. Her experience spans 15 years with BT, 10 years with Travelodge and also some contract work.
It was after working with Travelodge that Marie was made redundant and took some time out to work out where she wanted to go from there.
After several months, Marie received a phone call from an old contact, Steve Rac of ARC Services, asking if Marie could do some admin work for him. The work was supposed to last around six to eight weeks but lasted longer and Steve needed some extra work doing. Marie took on the work, contracted the hourly rate and MCW Consulting was formulated.
In August 2009 the business turned into an LLP due to continual increased workload.
MCW are now involved in Health & Safety and HR too as well as securing a two year contract in February 2011 with a major nursery chain and a 12 month ongoing contract in health and safety in the construction industry.
In August 2010, Marie’s husband and business partner Chris joined the business bringing a wealth of experience in Marketing as well as health and safety and undertaking further training.
Marie and Chris have three daughters who are all involved in the business bringing skills such as CIPD (Chartered Institute in Personal Development), events management and administration.
Their son may also join the company at a later date.
Marie plans to expand with three or four more staff for some help desk contracts that are pending with Multi-national chains.
Indeed, MCW Consulting are strategically limiting their growth so they do not expand too quickly. Marie puts her success down to determination and drive from when she was made redundant.
The vision of a good life through controlling her environment to reduce stress created more freedom of choice regarding her daily diary and creating MCW Consulting helped her achieve what she wanted.
Marie and Chris have now settled at Wrest Park Enterprise Centre which has given them stability, support and professionalism when hosting client meetings.
When asked if she could give advice to someone else thinking of starting a new business, Marie said: “Hold your nerve and go for it without underestimating your ability.”
Bedford Times & Citizen 3rd March 2011
