Sarah Liu is a truly international mumpreneur! Her first child was born in her home country Taiwan, her second was born in Singapore and her third child was born here in the UK. This year she launched her training business, ICT Together.
- Tell us a little about your business
ICT Together provides IT services to small and new businesses. I sell online IT and business training courses , offer private IT training in MS Word/Excel/Access/PowerPoint/Project/Publisher and provide IT services for Data Analysis and MI Reporting.
- What was your job before starting your business?
I was an Analyst Programmer working for HomeServe Membership Ltd‘s IT Department.
- How did you go from your old career to your new business?
My case was a bit more complicated than usual. I was planning to return work part-time after a year’s maternity leave, but then my husband was offered his new job at Warwick University. After struggling a while, I handed in my notice when my maternity leave ended and we moved house to Coventry for our new family adventure! When my little girl was one and a half, she started taking a longer nap for two or three hours every day; this gave me a little time to think what to do next.
- What were your reasons for starting a business?
Firstly, I searched internet for job opportunities, and not long after I found out there are more and more people running their businesses from home. For a long time, I had been dreaming of this kind of work style to keep my quality of work while having flexibility for my family. It seems it’s becoming more popular and accepted nowadays which made me very excited! I came to know that Business Link has been offering free workshops and business coaching to help new businesses, so I registered for it and started planning my IT business.
- Did you use any childcare?
My girl has been to childcare for the four sessions I attended for Business Link workshops. Most of the time I work in her nap time and mid-night when all three kids are in bed. Recently, I bought a big trampoline which is a big help to keep the three kids entertained and look after each other. My toddler has just started nursery three mornings a week and that has released me more time!
- How did you get your business idea?
I got my business ideas based on my skills and family.
- What were your challenges and how did you overcome them?
My challenges are finding more time, spending less money! As my toddler growing more independent and social, I gradually find more time. When encountering spending big money, I’ll ask my husband. If he is not happy with it, I’ll leave it. Not sure if he is 100% correct, but at least it keeps our family relationship in harmony.
- What training, information or advice did you need to get started?
I’ve got lots of information from internet and business training and advice from Business Link.
- If you could give one piece of advice to a mum of a baby or toddler starting a business, what would it be?
Enjoy your baby/toddler before your business, who will help later!