Every start up business wants to capture that elusive ‘word of mouth’ recommendation, so vital in an owner’s quest to build something great; and in the case of Jessica Harrison, a Stokesley-based  mother of two, that’s exactly the vibe she picked up, thanks to a strong local business community, and the online support of Ideal Schools.

After completing a degree in Plant Sciences at Edinburgh University, Jessica spent more than a decade as a freelance ecologist, completing field studies and environmental impact statements on behalf of councils and wildlife trusts. But, after the birth of her second child, the idea of spending every summer out in the field rather than with her children became too much.

Jessica and her husband have always worked for themselves, and the idea of forming her own practice wasn’t too intimidating. Since she already had experience in keeping accounts, both for a local wildlife charity and for her husband’s construction company, Jessica looked into bookkeeping, and found Ideal Schools.

Jessica said: “I’ve always had a head for figures, and my husband and I have always been self-employed, so it wasn’t so much of a leap, but I wanted to be able to run my own business around the kids and get to spend summers with them.”

The ICB exam structure was the perfect fit for Jessica and she soared through her qualifications, which included Levels 2-4 in Bookkeeping & Accounts and two Level 3 Diploma qualifications in Payroll Management and Self-Assessment Taxation.

Having achieved the qualifications needed to obtain an ICB Practice License the first client was quickly secured and, so far, Stokesley Bookkeeping Services looks after six clients, with services tailored to each business size and type. 

Jessica said: “I found Ideal Schools by looking at its positive online reviews and as soon as I got in contact with them, I felt happy I’d made the right choice. The materials were easy to understand, but always made me think outside the box. By the time I reached the exams, I felt I knew the subject inside out.

“I could choose my path through my study, and customise it towards my goal of running my own business, and there were tutors and other students there to lend a hand every step of the way.”

Course Completed: ICB Career Path

Click here to get an idea of the services offered by Jessica.