Imran Haq from Shawlands in Glasgow has successfully launched his own business offering financial advice, after participating in a programme to help people on benefits become self employed.

 After eight years in his previous job with a bank, Imran, 31, was made redundant and was surviving on Job Seekers Allowance.  After speaking with the Job Centre about his ambitions to become self employed, they referred him to the DHP Scotland Training for Work self employment programme. 

He was assigned a business advisor, Jill Connell from DHP Scotland, who helped him develop his business plan and understand tax issues. Imran self-financed his studies to complete his Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) and has now launched IH Financial Solutions which offers financial services including mortgages, re-mortgages, life insurance and general insurance. 

He is excited at the prospect of growing the business to one day hopefully having his own Estate Agency.   Imran said, “I have always dreamed of becoming self employed and being referred to the DHP Scotland Training for Work self employment programme most definitely assisted me in reaching my goals.   I have no hesitation in recommending this programme to anyone who wants to pursue the dream of becoming their own boss.” 

Jill Connell business advisor, DHP Scotland, said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Imran.  He is an inspiration to the many other people out there on benefits who have ideas and dreams and the determination to improve their lives through the self employment route.” 

The Training for Work self employment programme is designed to support people aged – 18 plus who are interested in running their own business.  Participants are assigned with a specialist business advisor who can also deal with benefits and financial issues.  

Participants work at their own pace learning basic business skills, undertaking market research and finalising their business plan and it is stressed that they will continue to receive their full entitlement to benefits throughout the programme. 

DHP Scotland, deliver a range of other programmes that encourage and equip people on benefits, including Incapacity Benefit for the world of self employment. 

For further information on Training for Work and other self-employment programmes, contact DHP Scotland on 0141 221 9798. 

To find out more about IH Financial Solutions log contact Imran on Mob:  07974 030875.