“After 26 years of working in banking management, my role was at risk of redundancy. This was a great opportunity for me to re-evaluate what I wanted to do next with my working career, so I applied to take voluntary redundancy.

After taking a short break, I started thinking about what I would like to do next. I knew I didn’t want to go back into banking or project management but was unsure what to do. I knew I wanted to have more flexibility and be the one in charge of my working week, but I also wanted a challenge, so I started thinking about becoming self-employed. A friend suggested that I consider bookkeeping and accounts, which would complement the skills I had already possessed.

Through the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers website, I found Training Link. I was really impressed with their distance learning packages and requested a ‘free trial’ study unit. As soon as I reviewed the unit, I knew that I had found the perfect training match for me. From day one, through until I had completed my final exam, I found the training material and tutor support excellent. I know Training Link were key to helping me achieving my level 2 and 3 qualifications, quickly and with distinctions.

I founded my business and took my first tentative steps of starting a Bookkeeping practice. At the same time, I decided to study and qualify for Self-Assessment Tax, so that I could offer clients additional services. Again, I chose to study with Training Link; it was the obvious choice for me.

I had the opportunity to cover maternity leave in a local business for 8 months. This really helped me to put my studying into practice, and at the same time, I was able to get my first few clients for my new business.

In 2016, I achieved a personal goal in converting my business to a family partnership when my sister, Victoria Jones, also qualified. Victoria has over 5 years work experience in accounts departments of various national organisations using a variety of in-house and corporate accounting systems; “Slater Jones Bookkeeping” was formed.”