Business Startup

Warton resident John Noblett originally worked as a motorbike mechanic but around 10 years ago he suffered paralysis as a result of a serious motorcycle accident. He spent five years recuperating, the extent of his recovery surprising doctors, many of whom had believed he would never recover the use of his limbs.

Lancashire Mole Control uses traditional techniques

When he began to seek work again, he found employers unwilling to take a chance on someone whose condition had been so severe. So it was after a long and frustrating search that he began to consider making a living from something he had been doing as a hobby.

Having grown up on a farm near Chorley, John understood rural communities and had caught moles for local farmers and private garden owners for many years. When the government banned the use of strychnine poison, John realised that there would be renewed demand for the traditional methods that he had always employed.

A phone call to Business Link in the Spring of 2008 precipitated a meeting with Enterprise4All advisers who subsequently helped him to establish his new venture, Lancashire Mole Control, which was launched the following September.

The company is a member of the British Traditional Molecatchers Register.

Enterprise4All advisers worked with John to ensure that the company's business plan was sound and that important consideration was given to cash-flow, marketing, bookkeeping and legislative issues. Through one to one meetings, they agreed a plan of action and guided John through the process of registering and launching his company.

John's original belief that there were good prospects for a traditional mole catching service proved to be well founded and within a short time of its launch, he was attracting interest from many different quarters. Farmers and gardeners represent a large part of the company's client base and for such people; the environmental sustainability of the service is an important factor.

Based on the use of humane traps, the service does not involve the use of chemicals, gases or poisons so there is no danger of contaminating the land or damaging plants or crops. John now works with a variety of different clients, from home owners and farmers to golf course managers, stable keepers and hospitality businesses aiming to keep grounds looking their best.

The company is a member of the Guild of British Molecatchers.

Local authority parks and amenities are another important market sector and one of John's more recent clients has been Blackpool Airport. John operates throughout Lancashire and finds self employment demanding but very satisfying.

Fully licensed and insured, he has invested in a quad bike which gives him greater mobility and the ability to work across large or otherwise inaccessible areas. Demand is steady and John is confident that the business will continue to grow.

For more information about the company and its services, please call John on:

07923305977 or visit www.lancashire-molecontrol.co.uk