A former RAF serviceman has launched a new business in South Cheshire to help former Forces people get back into work.
Nigel Blanchard hopes his Heroes4Hire-Handymen (H4HH) business will bring together work
ethic, skills and employability of ex servicemen and women.
Heroes4Hire-Handymen will only employ ex-service personnel, and all recruits will be trained on a residential course at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
Nigel, who joined the RAF in 1979 and spent 11 years in the Forces, said: “H4HH was conceived not just as a helping hand for our customers but as a means of assisting those leaving our armed forces.
“Adjusting to life after the Forces can be challenging, and H4HH can ease this transition, providing direction, focus and stability.”
Nigel pursued a career in Land & New Homes, working for several corporate companies until he set up his own consultancy company.
When he relocated to Winsford last year he said he found it difficult to find good, professional handymen with the right qualifications and indemnity insurance.
He spoke to estate agents and house builders and realised there was a demand in this profession.
“I will only be employing veterans as my handymen/women,” he added.
“They will be fully employed by my company with salary, pension contributions, NI contributions, fully-serviced vans and tools.
“I will be funding their training, a 32-day residential course in property maintenance at Reaseheath College.
“That will cost £3,500 for each handyman/woman.”
Training will be administrated by the registered charity www.buildingheroes.org
“My plan is to train 12 handymen/women every six weeks over a three-year period,” added Nigel.
“My first 12 start their training on February 27 with their graduation on March 31.”
His venture has been backed by Northgate Vehicle Rental company which is providing vans, and estate agents chain Countrywide Group.
Now he’s hoping for a national roll out programme in Greater Manchester starting on April 3.
Hi Nigel I live in Skegness and up until October last year I ran my own construction company, unfortunately I had to give to collapse that after suffering a severe brain injury but I’m on the mend now and if the truth be known it was getting on my nerves anyway, so just I quick message to express my interest from this end if you need any help I’m an ex soldier (gun bunny ?) and I’m very good on the tools.
All the best with your new venture
Jamie
Hi Nigel
Running a maintenance company myself but want to take the stress out of looking for leads and new work.
Been established for 3yrs but wish to do cards in. Experinced in all aspects of maintenance gutters plumbing electrical kitchen fitting Bathroom design Tv aerials Plasma installs, decoration.
Ex Rock ape served 12 yrs living in Stockport
Evening Nigel, could I have some information 24 years ex Infantry, looking for a new direction in my life
Hi Nigel,
I’m am ex HCav served 18 years.
Medically discharged 5year ago.
Currently HGV 1 driving all over the country,
I am interested in doing something else but have no qualifications apart from Maths English and Army courses.
Could you help please
Hi Nigel, how would I be able to apply? Im ex Mercian reg and have a level two in joinery.
What a fantastic idea . I would join in a heart beat…….. Edinburgh 🙂
Hi Nigel,
Ex RAF Supplier, currently working as A HGV1 DRIVER. I’m interested in getting proper training for a good job. Also willing to help in anyway I can. Handyman skills aren’t too bad, but can’t tile to save my life!
Hi Nigel, please join us at a networking event in Liverpool city centre on the 13th July in Lanigans pub, if you go to http://www.bita.ie and take a look at what we do I hope you will see how we could help you to grow your business on the events page you will also see the full event details. I genuinely believe the service you are offering is one most companies will be more than happy to support once they know about you. I am the chair person for the Liverpool chapter, we are also based in London and Dublin, but you can see all of this on the website. My email address is [email protected] if you would prefer to contact me that way. Take care. Pam
Hi Nigel I am a ex Scots guards lad been out a couple of years now level 3 joiner and do bits of also sorts but finding it hard to keep a job down with civvies would love to be in ur team
Hi Nigel
12 years RAF Regt, veteran NI, Bosnia, Gulf and I have had a successful career in TV, sales and marketing, but my handyman skills are fabulous as well here on the Wirral I even help out in the soup kitchens and funeral services, so I hope I have the skills you are looking for and my email is
[email protected] if you would like my cv to date .
Many thanks
Steve Stuart
F8402431 RAF
Hi Nigel,
Will you be launching this concept in the Nottingham area? I was medical discharged over two years ago. I am qualified as a gas engineer and would love to get involved in this idea.