Former soldier goes on handyman duty (From The Northern Echo)

Former soldier goes on handyman duty

10:52am Tuesday 22nd July 2008 in Search

A FORMER soldier started his own mobile handyman business while balancing child care commitments as his wife served with British forces in Afghanistan.

When he left the Army Janic Howitson-Morley, 37, had the task of looking after his two-year-old daughter, Freya, while his wife, Emma, continued to serve tours of duty in some of the world’s most hostile areas.

During his military career the former Army corporal learned a wide variety of trades, some of which were highly specialised, So he established a mobile handyman business, The Other Hubby, based in Darlington and which aims to provide, in his words, affordable and practical solutions to most DIY situations.

He said: “I realised it would not be easy, setting up a new business, and at the same time giving my daughter the best possible upbringing.

“While my wife is away I have to fulfil both roles and I think I’ve got the right balance.

“My daughter goes to nursery during the day and I schedule my work around that.

“Self-employment is a really good option – being your own boss allows you to have a greater amount of flexibility.”

His business name came from the way a client referred to him.

Mr Howitson-Morley said: “The business name came about when a client actually came to rely on me for their DIY needs, so much so, that they began to refer to me as ‘My Other Hubby’ and it has stuck ever since.”

The list of jobs he is willing and able to undertake, is not just restricted to decorating, gardening and DIY. It is, however, so long that it is easier to say what he won’t do – structural repairs, electrics or plumbing which he leaves to tradespeople who are qualified to carry out that type of work.

He said: “I’ll take on pretty much any odd job, not just DIY and no day is the same for me. Last month I took on a job to drive to Jersey for a client, who wanted some property recovering back to the North- East.

“If it’s something which you don’t fancy tackling yourself or simply haven’t got the time, I should be able to help.”

He added: “Satisfied clients are vital to my business and many come back to me time after time.

Because I have such a loyal customer base, I am able to provide references to all prospective clients.”

Among his many talents he is a City and Guilds qualified signwriter and also a qualified barber.

The Other Hubby can be contacted on 07875-048506.