Lisburn entrepreneur backs UK Small Business Week after turning garden shed start-up into award-winning Tech Truck initiative
A Lisburn entrepreneur who started a business from a garden shed after being forced to leave his teaching career through ill health is backing UK Small Business Week after helping thousands of people improve their digital skills through an award-winning mobile training programme.
Ken Callaghan, founder of Ignite IT, is among the business owners supporting UK Small Business Week, a nationwide campaign celebrating the contribution small businesses make to communities across the UK.
Before launching Ignite IT, Ken worked as a deputy head teacher. However, serious illness forced him to leave the profession and rethink his future.
Rather than accept a life on benefits, he started repairing computers for local people from a garden shed using an extension lead and a 60-metre network cable connected to an old router.
What began as a small local service has since grown into an established technology business supporting home users, charities, community groups and small businesses across Northern Ireland.
Ken said: “Leaving teaching wasn't part of the plan, but sometimes life takes you in a different direction.
“Starting the business gave me a purpose again and helped me take back control of my life.”
One of Ignite IT's most successful innovations is its Tech Truck, a mobile digital learning centre designed to bring training directly into communities that have limited access to technology support and education.
The initiative has helped tackle digital exclusion through the company's Own Your Online Life programme, which now operates as a Community Interest Company.
Its impact has attracted support from Belfast City Council and helped Ignite IT secure the UK Digital Hub of the Year award.
Ken said: “Not everyone has easy access to training, technology or support.
“The Tech Truck allows us to bring those opportunities directly into communities and help people gain confidence online.”
The business has also supported charities and vulnerable groups throughout its growth.
Early in the company's journey, Ken developed an internet safety solution for young people in foster care after being told it couldn't be done. The resulting partnership lasted two decades and generated more than £2 million in income.
Today, Ken also mentors other business owners and remains passionate about helping people overcome challenges.
“I've experienced ill health, depression and plenty of obstacles along the way,” he said.
“But one thing business has taught me is that failure is not final. There is usually a way through if you're prepared to keep going.”
Nigel Botterill said: “Ken's story is exactly the sort of entrepreneurial journey UK Small Business Week is designed to celebrate.
“He saw a problem, found a solution and built a business that is making a genuine difference in communities across Northern Ireland.”
UK Small Business Week runs until June 7 and will see businesses across the country taking part in local events, social media activity and community campaigns celebrating independent firms and entrepreneurship.