Dyslexia is no bar to Alex Szabo’s unique business venue – South Coast Animal Ambulance

Dyslexia is no bar to Alex Szabo’s unique business venue – South Coast Animal Ambulance

[UKPRwire, Wed Mar 03 2010] Moving a Burmese python is all in a day’s work for 29 year old dyslexic Alex Szabo who started his business South Coast Animal Ambulance, with advice and support from Business Link. Having a love of animals is one thing, but turning it into a profitable business can be a challenge when you don’t have a veterinary qualification.

Alex, who lives in Horsham, has always loved animals and spent his early working life as an unpaid volunteer at his local RSPCA refuge before working at the famous Battersea Dog’s home, caring for abandoned pets in London. From here he trained as a veterinary nurse before moving on to work for another animal charity in administration.

Alex wasn’t happy in an office environment, but it was during this time he developed the business idea which would mean a return to the hands-on care aspect of his training. Alex explains, “I really love animals and have done since I was a very young. I hate to see animals in distress and I know sometimes it’s really difficult for owners to cope with their pets’ being ill and getting them to a veterinarian practice. Until they have a sick pet, it’s simply not something owners think about.”

This idea of a pet taxi service soon evolved into a larger operation because so many people knew Alex in his local area, and he would often get called upon to help animals who were hurt or abandoned in rural areas or by the road side. It was clear that a ‘gap’ in the market existed for an animal ambulance and taxi service which could meet the needs of pet owners, vets and animals in West Sussex, and in 2008 Alex set up South Coast Animal Ambulance.

“Once I realised my animal ambulance service business idea could combine my vocation with a way to support myself financially, I contacted my local council to see if they could help me. They referred me to Business Link and I was introduced to Gareth Sear who works for this free, publicly funded service.” Alex added, “As I have severe dyslexia, many of the day-to-day administrative issues of running a business are doubly hard for me. Gareth and his team supported me with advice on all aspects of setting up and running a business, and helped me with the various pieces of paper you need to get going. I’d been led to believe that someone like me couldn’t set up a business, but with Gareth’s support I have made it work, and most importantly the South Coast Animal Ambulance business is already growing steadily.”

“I work with a number of local vets who refer their clients to me when their pets are ill and the client has difficulty moving the animal. We will move every type of animal including farm animals with the exception of cows, and have previously transported a Burmese Python. My team and I are on 24/7 call out for wounded or abandoned animals, and we make sure these animals are properly taken care of by working closely with vets in the area.”

Gareth Sear, from Business Link said, “Enterprise, and enterprising individuals, boost the local Sussex economy – my role is to help people to spot opportunities, utilise their talents and develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in business. Alex realised early in life that he had a vocation in the care of animals, he is also one of a number of entrepreneurs who Business Link help to turn their dreams into reality with coaching and intensive support. Alex knew what he wanted from his working life, and was prepared to stick his neck out and start a business. He is determined to make it work for him and his team. I get a great sense of pride as Alex has now achieved his goal of working for himself and I know the business will continue to go from strength to strength.”

For more information visit www.southcoast-animalambulance.co.uk

For more information about Business Link’s support for individuals who are thinking about starting a business or in the early stages of running a business and face barriers to enterprise because of personal circumstances visit www.bringyourideastolife.co.uk or phone 0845 600 9 006.



[700 words in the main release]



- Ends -

An audio podcast of Alex Szabo and Gareth Sear is available upon request.


Media contact:

Katie Mason

Telephone: 02380 613255

Mobile: 07882 102555

Email: katie@ambmarketing.co.uk



Notes to Editors

About Business Link

Business Link’s information and advice services are available through the website www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast or by phoning 0845 600 9 006.

Business Link is the government funded national business information, advice and support service, delivered in the South East by the six Business Link Providers. In the South East the service is funded by SEEDA.

Business Link helps businesses and entrepreneurs to establish new enterprises and maintain and grow established companies by helping them to locate and benefit from the broadest range of public, private and voluntary business support services.

Business Link offers specific help to individuals who are unemployed, currently only working a few hours week or in a situation that makes it harder for them to get involved in enterprise or to access Business Link support. These two services help people to start a business and offers free, advice, coaching and intensive support from having and idea to when the individual starts trading. Once the business has been established the business owner is encouraged to take advantage of the extensive information, advice and support provided by Business Link’s core service.

SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency, is the Government-funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development of the South East of England – the driving force of the UK’s economy. Through supporting businesses, encouraging innovation, developing skills and engaging with public and private partners, we aim to create a successful, sustainable future for the region.