J&M Especial Travel is a school transport business based in Newcastle upon Tyne. With 12 hours of assistance from Maximising and Improving Business Profitability Expert Joanna Tabaku, funded through the Citylife Business Support grant, they took their business to the next level – and got a confidence boost, too! Read on to find out more.
Tell us a little bit about your business. When did you start-up, how many people do you employ, what products/services do you provide and who are your typical customers?
I started in August 2024, at present I subcontract 2 people in order to provide school transport services. Currently, our typical clients are Local Authorities and Private Hire operators.
What support did you seek to help your business grow and develop?
Understand about how / when to setup a limited company, focus on what is relevant for the business right now, and action plan to expand customer base.
Who was the Citylife Expert that provided you with support?
[Maximising and improving business profitability expert] Joanna Tabaku
What was the nature of the support they provided?
To identify strategies required to move the business forward. We focused on my skills and goals established on the business plan.
Has the support that you have received from the Citylife Business Support Expert helped you to move your business forward? And how?
Yes, it has helped a lot. Immediate steps were identified to give focus and bring clarity on administration processes.
Has the Citylife support that you received helped to safeguard the future of your business and any employees?
Yes, the expert was always very positive about the business. I was reminded in various occasions how our services make the difference to many people in the community. I am confident that my business will thrive. We will explore further business opportunities in order to create more jobs.
How did you find the Citylife Application process?
Very straightforward. Prompt and clear communication.
Would you recommend other businesses get in touch with Citylife?
Absolutely, it is a resource many local businesses should use to avoid walking alone through processes that require expert advice.
