The last two years have been quite a journey for me. As soon as we went into lockdown starting with Sainsburys as a delivery driver as all the events would come to a stop. Setting up a not for profit company to help with the impact on mental health and well-being in the height of restrictions, having the best year with Speedkix Ltd have been some real highlights.

Spending on the road, I had a lot of time to think about business strategy and listened to loads of business audio books. In between shifts, I also concentrated on my personal development by accessing business coaching and other courses that would benefit me in business.

Throughout my whole working life one of the biggest satisfactions has been to help people whether it be in a coaching, my 20 years teaching or helping in the local community. After seeing the impact on mental health and wellbeing, first hand, I decided to set up a not for profit company called SIVIK Active to improve well-being and mental health for young people. The goalkeeper schools were put on hold apart from the free GK challenges and free content, I put out on facebook to keep the keepers engaged.



Since restrictions were lifted last year Speedkix Ltd we have had our most successful year yet to date and we have delivered a range of teambuilding events for companies wishing to get the workforce active and improve mental health and well-being. Thousands of people took part in some sort of Speedkix activity in 2021. We also launched 'Winning Workplaces' fun competitive events for companies of all sizes. A percentage of the profits from these events go towards providing free activities for young people in the local community.

This year is already proving to be exciting as lots of schools and educational establishments have booked us in. We also are talking to lots of local companies who value their colleagues and recognise the benefits of bringing the workplace together and re-engaging with each other. We will also be providing a permanent attraction at Flamingoland amongst some other prestigious Yorkshire venues.

I feel that my many years playing as a goalkeeper has been a metaphor for my journey in business so far. The ability get down and back up both physically and mentally has really helped me cope with some of the difficulties of restrictions on business over recent times. Yes, I have had some low points over recent times, like so many people but I don’t think I would be writing this post now  had I not got used to knock backs and disappointments and to bounce back from a young age.  

Just last week, I accepted an offer on my goalkeeping schools which was my very first business venture. I am feeling really proud that an international company has seen the value of something that I built from scratch and have been so passionate about.

So there are likely to be some bumps in the road and if one thing my journey so far in business is never to take things for granted and to keep working hard, but I am really looking forward to what the next year brings in new opportunities and continuing to help people get active, improve mental well-being and making a positive difference to those around me.

Thanks for reading

Andy

Director and Founder of Speedkix and SIVIK Active CIC