ESF project Active Plus helps ex-serviceman
Location: Cornwall, South West
ESF Funding: Convergence
ESF Target Group: Over 50, Self Employed
Former RAF Logistics Specialist Guy has set up a private investigation business following support from European Social Fund (ESF) Convergence project Active Plus.
Good Guy Investigations brings together a network of private investigators around the world to take on assignments ranging from neighbourhood and background checks, process serving and mystery shopper to brand enforcement, hidden asset searches and tracing missing persons.
Guy had previously worked in security in New Zealand. Now living in Cornwall he was out of work and got referred to Active Plus by his local Jobcentre.
Active Plus receives ESF Convergence investment via Cornwall Works 50+. It targets people aged over 50 and out of work aiming to give them confidence and skills to support them in finding a job or setting up a business and develops combat veterans to lead and deliver the courses.
Guy said, “The course as a whole wasn’t wholly geared to me as I already had an idea about setting up this business, but there were parts that were very, very good – for instance interview techniques and body language which were taught by a combat veteran who had served in Iraq. Those are ideal skills for the business I am now in so I thought that was great and the course gave me that little bit more confidence and motivation to get on my feet.”
He added, “I have always done jobs that are customer focused and I like to put the personal touch on something – people can know that I am taking responsibility for their problem.”
Guy said he ended up helping in first aid classes as he has been a trained Responder and he will be returning to Active Plus to help mentor others.
Tim Cocks who runs Active Plus said, “It is always great to be able to support people to help them into employment. The 50+ age group have shown on our courses that they can be an asset for any employer and are willing to diversify their skills and accept advice to help them gain employment. The ex-service personnel provide a variety of information and training that everyone can benefit from in different ways. On Guy’s course we also helped participants gain employment in a circus, the post office and in local government.”
Mark Yeoman, Head of ESF Convergence Communications, said, “The economic future of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will be built on business growth. It is great to see ESF Convergence playing an important role in the establishment of this exciting new business.”
Guy also completed two courses including an Advanced Diploma in Private Investigation. He has since made contacts, including police and specialised investigators, in more than 71 countries. He is a member of the UK Private Investigators network which has about 650 investigators on its books, and British Agents who number around 1250 members.