While setting up your own business can be a tremendous risk, for others – such as local joiner John Miskelly– it can mean the chance of a lifetime.
With the support of his family and friends, John has formed his own company ‘The Ardfield Pen Company’ which makes luxury handcrafted pens.
After sixty years of work, thirty years of which was spent working at the Downpatrick Campus of SERC, John decided to persue his dream of setting up his own business.
Since then John hasn’t looked back.
"I took time to weigh up my options," said John. “I knew I had good skills, knowledge and plenty of experience but it was not an easy decision to start out on my own.
"However I was determined to make a proper go of it. I have always wanted to work for myself and after working in the industry for sixtry years, I was ready to take the leap and follow my passion.
"I'm my own boss now. I'm the only one that can make the business a success - but I'm determined to do that."
As well as making pens John spends his free time making toys for his grandchildren, including rocking horses.
John loves what he does and says, “It doesn’t feel like work at all, I enjoy it so much. I am glad that I can now give something back, whether it is the toys for my grandchildren or pens for someone special. I love every minute of it.”
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