Case Study

After working in North America for many years, Stephen Shingleton did not waste any time settling back into life in Northern Ireland, instead he decided to use his thirty years’ experience of technical and management experience and start his own business and is now looking forward to being in control.

Stephen set up CNC Solutions NI in April 2021, offering a range of CNC (computerised numerically controlled) services including programming and set up assistance, on-site training services, processing support and troubleshooting for businesses, of any size, that operate computerised machinery.

“I feel that my key strength is the experience that I have gained over the years in machine programming and processing of components and how I can transfer that skill set into helping businesses become and remain efficient”

Since returning home, Stephen has faced some challenges in relation to his business development. These included carrying out the research to find out if the demand was the same here in Northern Ireland for such a business as well as making himself known in the sector once again, after working away for so many years.

To help Stephen with these challenges, he availed of support under Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Business Start Up Coaching Programme and was assigned a coach from Antrim Enterprise Agency, who he described was very knowledgeable in many aspects of what is required to start and develop a new business.

“The coaching has guided me through the key steps I needed in relation to getting my business off the ground and has now put me on the right path that I look forward to travelling down. I am now aware of the proper procedures I need to put in place to achieve my business goals going forward”

One of the highlights of Stephen’s journey was securing his first customer and helping them to get a new machine up and running for making kitchen counter tops.

Stephen knows that further challenges will cross his path over the next few months, but he is prepared to deal with them head on to get where he wants to go, enabling him to secure long term success for him and his business.