AN Abbots Bromley man has refused to stop a long-term disability prevent him from launching his own business aimed at helping firms maximise their mobile marketing potential.
Tim Rees set up Midweb Services last year specialising in mobile marketing to help firms make the most of the surge in mobile internet access.
Mr Rees has suffered with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis since he was five and the condition became so bad he had to give up running his fancy dress shop called Incognito in Uttoxeter.
However, to his great credit Mr Rees refused to let the condition stop him from working and looked to build up his expertise on computers to get himself back into work.
He told the Advertiser: “After giving up the shop I got my IT qualifications at the Old Mill in Uttoxeter, before going on to do a teaching certificate at Derby College.
“That led to me getting a job as an IT trainer at Mid-Staffordshire Hospital and I was there for a number of years.
“The IT side of things was something I very much enjoyed, as was helping people and teaching them new things and this business has come about through that.
“With my disability it is something that I can run reasonably comfortably from home if I need to.
“Thinking about the future it was a business I could manage within my capabilities.”
Midweb Services create mobile websites and mobile apps for businesses, as well as providing text message marketing services to make sure firms harness the massive potential of mobile phone marketing.
Mr Rees said: “There is a lot of advantages for local businesses in incorporating this kind of marketing into their marketing strategies and we can help point them in the right direction.
“About 50 per cent of all internet searches are done on mobile devices and 50 per cent of those searches are done looking for local businesses or services.
“Then 25 per cent of those result in that person contacting that business within 24 hours.
“I think there is a real window of opportunity and if businesses get involved early enough they can reap the benefits of having a mobile presence, as well as an online presence.”
Mr Rees, who is also chairman of the Derby County Disabled Supporters Club, is also keen to help the disabled through his business.
He said: “One of my dreams is, as I know a lot of disabled people, would be to be in a position to offer part-time or full-time employment for them.
“Being in a wheelchair, IT is a potential career and others may only be able to work three or four hours a day and I could cater for that.”
More information about the business is available at www.midwebservices.com and Mr Rees can be contacted by calling 07510 791888.
