Ready Report - Michael Kasar
In 2008 30-year-old Michael Kasar moved to
London from Australia. As a qualified estate agent he hoped that
his skills and experience would enable him to continue a career as
a property manager in the UK.
However, as Michael began his job search he
soon realised that professional qualifications were not recognised
in the UK. Coupled with his lack of experience of the country’s
property market, this meant that he spent months out of
work.
Michael said: “No one seemed to recognise my
skills and it was so frustrating that all my experience meant so
little. I didn’t expect finding a job here to be so difficult.”
After months of searching for a job Michael
saw that starting his own business might provide him with an
opportunity to get back to work. He saw a gap in the market for a
property company providing inventory reports to letting agents and
tenants.
Michael thought that by introducing tried and
tested ideas and procedures from Australia to the far less
regulated UK market he could provide a higher quality service than
existing inventory providers in the UK.
However, without funding and with no contacts
or support networks in the UK, turning this idea into a business
seemed out of reach. This was until he came across some information
about The Prince Trust Enterprise Programme, which helps unemployed
18-30-year-olds to set up their own business.
Michael attended a four-day course to learn
the basics of setting up a business. He started work on a business
plan and was awarded funding and a business mentor to provide
practical advice and guidance.
Michael said:
“Although funding played an integral role in
setting up my business, one of the great things about The Prince’s
Trust for me was that it provided a support network. Just knowing
you had someone to call was invaluable.”
When asked about the secret to Ready
Report’s success, Michael said: “Communication is key.
Although our process is very strong, to be successful we have also
had to learn how to deal with problems and communicate well with
customers and letting agents.”
Michael has come a long way from starting his
business in his bedroom with just a laptop and today works from an
office in Old Street with a small crew of staff. Having established
strong links with letting agents in Islington and Hackney, he now
hopes to be able to expand into other parts of London.
As well as expanding his client base, Michael
is currently in the process of creating a Ready Report app
for the iPad, designed especially for the company’s employees.
He said: “It was tough work starting a
business but having the support of The Prince’s Trust makes it feel
like you are not alone. Having someone in your corner makes such a
difference - it gives you a boost and gets you up for the next
week.”
http://www.readyreport.co.uk/