John Sudron

When a blood clot forced taxi driver John Sudron to have his right leg amputated above the knee, he faced the frightening prospect of losing his livelihood. Determined to continue doing a job he loved, John overcame the hurdles posed by his disability to set up as an independent taxi driver.

This is John Sudron’s story…

1. Why did you want to start your own business?

   I wanted the independence of working as and when I chose. I had previously worked for a company who paid me commission and it seemed crazy when I could be getting the money myself.

2. What was the deciding factor for you?

   I got divorced and was offered a new car, both on the same day. It seemed like the perfect opportunity - a new life and a new job, so I took the chance.

3. How did you get the business off the ground?

   I bought my first car from a friend for £2,000 and agreed to pay £100 a month. It gave me the opportunity to pay off the car as I earned.

4. Best bits about working for yourself?

   It’s the independence, being in charge of your own destiny. I am part of a network of independent drivers, which I can log into or work entirely on my own, as I please. It’s up to me to earn a decent living by the end of the month.

5. What have been the biggest challenges so far?

   In 2007, I had my leg amputated after a blood clot and was no longer able to drive a manual. This was a pretty scary prospect, but I managed to get together enough for a new car and the Enterprise Team provided me with business support and a grant for £2,000 to cover the conversion costs for the vehicle. I’m now back working 16 hours a week, but it’s been a hard slog.

6. What would you have done differently if you could go back?

   I would have bought a smaller car if I’d known how much the cost of fuel would rise! Other than that, though, there’s nothing I’d change in about the choices I’ve made.

7. How does it feel to be your own boss?

   It’s an achievement that nobody can take away from you and if you fail at least you’ve tried it. I feel pleased to get up for work in the morning.

8. A piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?

   You never know unless you try. Don’t keeping asking “What if?”, just got for it or you'll never know what might have been..

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