Each week, we ask small businesses key questions. Here we speak to Alison Mitchell, founder of online recruitment firm Agile Resource Solutions, based in Aberdeen
How and why did you start in business?
I’ve always wanted to start my own business and completed an MBA at Robert Gordon University in 2016. It reignited a desire for a career change after 25-plus years.
I first had the idea for Agile when I tried to look for alternative employment and needed a 30-hour week.
I kept hitting a brick wall whenever I said I needed some flexibility around work hours, so I ended up staying with the same company for another six years.
On leaving, I still needed 30 hours and found nothing had changed. So, I took the bull by the horns and set up a company offering management accounting services on a freelance basis, went to networking events and found part-time work.
I thought there must be an easier way for experienced people to find part-time or reduced-hours flexible work, whether that be employed or on a freelance basis.
In November 2018 I joined Elevator UK’s Grey Matters accelerator, where I first pitched the idea behind Agile to the cohort and they liked it.
How did you get to where you are today?
I started working in a wholesale opticians as an office junior, but left after two years when my boss refused to train me in lens tinting. I then had internal sales positions, moving on to management and financial roles.
I went to college in my 20s and university in my 40s, and this has all contributed to what I am doing today.
Despite leaving my long-term employer, I am grateful for the time I had there. I had amazing colleagues and was continually given the opportunity for my role to evolve. I am proof the four-day week works.
Who helped you?
Elevator UK, Grey Matters and Opportunity North East (One), while I also took part in the first digital accelerator at One Codebase during 2019. It gave me much-needed insight into how to develop a digital business.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and its legal and employment services have been really useful, and I also attended FSB networking meetings.
Then there’s RGU School of Computing, the lovely people at Core 29, who made introductions for me, and gave me desk space and coffee, and Athole Forbes, who stepped aside from Agile after surgery. She taught me to present and we laugh a lot, which is vital.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Too many but I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t made them.
What is your greatest achievement?
I know it’s a cliche, but my daughter. That said, I will definitely be celebrating when we officially launch our new Agile platform.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
I would make more funding available for mental health services and overhaul careers education in schools.
What do you still hope to achieve?
Securing investment to drive Agile forward this year is make or break.
Agile is a platform where skilled people who want to work on a part-time, flexible, freelance, consulting or interim basis can register and create a profile. We aim to make it more dynamic than just a CV using the latest technology. It will allow businesses to search and shortlist candidates quickly.
What do you do to relax?
I love a run on the beach but am also partial to a box set.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I’ve got Dame Stephanie Shirley’s Let It Go and Invisible Woman, by Caroline Criado Perez, to read, but keep getting side-tracked with box sets – and Outlander is due back soon.
What do you waste your money on?
Coffee and parking.
How would your friends describe you?
I think they would say I am usually positive, determined and, hopefully, kind.
What would your enemies say about you?
“Is she still going on about flexible work patterns?” I have literally been talking about this for years.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I have a Mazda 2, which is a few years old and makes noises but still goes.
I don’t really have a dream car –I’d rather save up for an amazing holiday.