As a registered Haemophiliac, electronics expert Richard Waring has had a lifetime of medical complications which resulted in numerous hospital admissions and, as a consequence to his condition, chronic arthritis. A college lecturer in electronics, Richard received news in the early 1990s that the new treatment introduced to help him lead a more normal life was contaminated with Hepatitis B and C, and that his prognosis was not great.
In 2001 however, Richard was thrown a lifeline in the shape of a new treatment that would give him a 40% chance of clearing the virus. Thankfully the treatment was successful but chronic side effects meant that Richard could no longer work and was pensioned-off at 43.
Forced retirement had its advantages at first, but soon Richard found that he wanted to get back to doing what he loved. Finally, last year he moved to Cornwall and started converting an old annexe into a workshop for his electronics projects, including the creation of a new range of prototype valve amplifiers.
“A friend inspired me to have a go at setting up my own business and offered to help me. We ‘hatched’ a plan to try to establish our own new brand of traditionally made, quality valve amplifiers for guitarists – a niche market which is a growing demand in the band industry.
“The Outset programme has been really useful. It enabled me to gain valuable insight into the basics of running my business as well as boosted my confidence in my abilities to make it happen.”
Richard’s new business, Liquid Sound Electronics, launched in April 2011 and provides repairs to band and hi-fi equipment (including PAT testing, installation advice and set-up). The new valve amplifiers are still in development and testing, but a launch is anticipated for early next year.
“Having taken the plunge to go self-employed, I am finally going back to my roots in my first love of electronics, doing pretty much what I was doing as a teenager – only now with all the years if experience and knowledge behind me. We have had lots of fun on the course, and I have made some really great contacts and my business is already beginning to grow!”
