With support from Business Wales, Neath-based pest controller decides to invest almost two decades of experience into his own venture
Christopher Hanford started his own pest control business, Propest Ltd, in Neath in 2020. He approached the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service for start-up support to get him off the ground, resulting in a successful launch in October 2020.
- successfully started
- grant funding secured
Introduction to business
With nearly 20 years’ experience working as a pest controller for the Local Authority, Christopher Hanford decided to utilise his skills to launch his own pest control business.
Propest Ltd offers quick, safe, effective and responsive pest control solutions to protect individuals and properties from pest infestations, including insects, rodents and associated risks, across South Wales and the neighbouring regions.
Why did you decide to set up your own business?
The reason I wanted to start my own business was that after 28 years of working for the same employer and almost 20 years as a pest controller, I had the opportunity to start on my own. I had gained lots of experience, which I thought I could successfully utilise in my own venture.
What challenges did you face?
I don’t think I faced many challenges. I was fortunate enough to have the support and backing of my family.
Business Wales support
Start-up adviser Hywel Bassett helped Chris and his son with all aspects of starting a business, including legal structure and tax. He helped them with putting together a business plan and cash flow forecasts, allowing Chris to secure grant funding towards the purchase of a van and essential equipment.
Outcomes
- successfully started
- grant funding secured
Hywel has been an absolute professional, very patient and supportive, always willing to give sound advice. It has been marvellous to just ask him any questions we were not sure about, and appreciate his guidance. Not only has Hywel worked with me, but he has also helped my son with various issues such as IT and legal considerations, amongst many others. That is why we as a family feel we didn’t have any real challenges. Hywel is extremely knowledgeable, always easy to contact and happy to give advice.
Thanks to everyone in Business Wales for your support and particularly Hywel Bassett; he is an asset to the organisation, I would rate him 10 out of 10.
Future plans and ambitions
Our plan for the time being is to make a comfortable living. We recognise we need to spread our name everywhere possible. We want to offer a professional quality service to the private and commercial sectors and let our good name build up. I hope that it will grow quickly.
If you want to read more success stories of how Business Wales has helped other people like you to start or grow their businesses, visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/case-studies or follow @_businesswales / @_busnescymru on Twitter.