Forces: Ex-Royal Navy
Kevin L - Aircraft Engineering Technician
"My advice to other Service leavers would be to research as much as possible, take all the courses necessary and make the most of your resettlement time to give you every chance of success in your civilian life.”
Upon leaving the Royal Navy, Kevin L knew that he wanted to run his own business. Having identified a potential gap in the market, he took a risk with an unusual route, starting his own speed dating company…
Kevin L served in the Royal Navy as an Aircraft Engineering Technician at 815 Squadron for just less than five years, before deciding to leave via the voluntary redundancy programme. Kevin now sought a career that meant he didn’t have to be away from his son for long periods of time, and so started researching the different options available to him.
During his three day Career Transition Workshop, Kevin learnt how to create a strong CV which civilianised his military skills, and also begun thinking about starting his own business, meeting with his Career Consultant to develop a plan of action.
Knowing that he would need some breathing space whilst establishing a business, Kevin secured a temporary job in order to boost his cash flow.
After attending a speed dating event for the first time in April 2012, Kevin loved the concept of meeting people in this way and having thoroughly researched the current market, felt confident that the idea would be well received. He then spent several months preparing for the launch of the online business; this included developing a website and researching potential venues. The business was launched in October 2012, seven months after Kevin’s discharge date. Now approaching 5,000 members and covering events in 10 cities across the UK, Kevin is well on the way to maintaining a successful business.
Kevin admits that starting a new business is not without obstacles; he has had to learn many new skills along the way, including website design and functionality, Search Engine Optimisation, marketing, advertising, bookkeeping and recruitment. Kevin now plans to use his Enhanced Learning Credits to attend a business management course to help him develop the company even further.
Although not necessarily an obvious career path for a former Aircraft Engineering Technician, Kevin cites much of his military experience as useful in his new civilian role as Director of the company, with particular emphasis on soft skills such as personal organisation, timekeeping, teamwork and high attention to detail.
He says, “I took a risk in the line of business I went into, going against family and friends advice. My advice to other Service leavers would be to research as much as possible, take all the courses necessary and make the most of your resettlement time to give you every chance of success in your civilian life.”
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