Ideal Schools in the news
From the Scottish Daily Mail, 14 February 2019
Skilled: Emi Darnton retrained in bookkeeping
Emi Darnton used her first maternity leave to retrain and gain the skills needed to set up her own business.
the 40-year-old mum worked as a bookkeeper for her husband Russell’s company, High road Balloons, which runs the Virgin Hot air Balloon franchise for the West midlands.
Emi started her first maternity leave in July 2009 and, eight months later, enrolled with Ideal Schools, a specialist UK-wide e-learning college, which focuses exclusively on bookkeeping and accounting. Emi, who now has two sons, aged seven and ten, says: ‘I decided to retrain and get qualified in skills that would enable me to set myself up in business.
‘I decided the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) qualification was best and looked for a recommended training provider on a distance learning basis.
‘I first spoke to Brian McVean, an Ideal Schools tutor, in 2009 and started studying until my second child came along.
‘I took a break, then went back to qualify as a member of the ICB. I was then ready to start up as a sole trader.’
Emi adds: ‘I was delighted in April 2018 to be made a fellow of the ICB, something that makes me proud and highlights the successful career I have made with the help of Ideal Schools.’
Emi, of Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, is director and financial controller of High Road Balloons. But she also launched I Love Admin as a sole trader in 2015 and plans to complete further courses with Ideal Schools, too.
Emi says: ‘Life is a balancing act between keeping client records bang up-to-date and my two children, with work often being done between drop-offs and pick-ups, as well as looking after the admin and finances of my husband’s business.’
Meanwhile, after 21 years in the banking industry, Jason Dalton, 47, decided that it was time to work for himself.
He now has a bookkeeping and payroll business, Safe Hands, with customers throughout Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, after studying with Ideal Schools.
Jason says: ‘When things went awry with banking, I looked at my career options and elected to study for the ICB qualification.’
He completed his studies in 2012 and set up Safe Hands from home.
He says: ‘I now have four employees and am always looking to provide added value and support, not just for bookkeeping.’