FIGURING out that life was too short to be stuck in a job she didn’t like, Katie Holmes-Smith from Lauder decided to use the inheritance her mother and grandmother left her to get behind the wheel.

Having gained a degree from Stirling University, Katie thought her dream job was to work in a museum but, after two years working on Holy Island and for a top Scottish museum she realised that wasn’t the case.

Luckily taking a position with a local car rental firm planted the seed of becoming a driving instructor and the 26-year-old turned to Business Gateway Scottish Borders and The AA Driving School to help her launch Katie’s Driving Tuition.

Since starting last month, she’s secured 14 clients – most of them women – and her first pupil has already sat and passed her driving test!

She said: “When I realised my desired career wasn’t what I thought it would be I knew I had to find something that would make me happy. Working for the rental business showed me that being behind the wheel gave me the freedom I was after and that I wanted to help instill a love of driving in others.

“I opted for a franchise with The AA Driving School and my regional business manager suggested I speak with Business Gateway. I went on a lot of the fully funded courses last year; then repeated a number of them to ensure I had everything in place before launching.

“It was great getting expert advice on marketing, social media, advertising, HMRC etc for free. Business Gateway also suggested I speak to the Princes Trust who awarded me a grant that helped me buy business cards.”

Lyn Galloway, Business Gateway, said: “Setting up her own business has provided Katie with the job satisfaction she had been seeking. Because she was investing money left to her, she wanted to ensure that she knew everything she needed to before setting up her own driving school so she turned to the experts – The AA and Business Gateway - for help.

“Using our courses she got to grips with the ins and outs of starting the enterprise, and so far her clients have said they love her teaching style and feel more relaxed being taught by a young, female driving instructor.”

Having lost her mother when she was just 16, Katie believes it taught her life was too short to be stuck in a job she didn’t love.

She said: “I don’t think my mother would ever have thought I’d become a driving instructor but she was self-employed and my father was a farmer so being in charge of my own destiny is in my blood. I think my family are pleased that I’ve finally found something I am passionate about; I only wish I’d done it sooner.”

To find out more about Katie’s Driving Tuition visit www.facebook.com/katiesdrivingtuition Find out how Business Gateway Scottish Borders can help your business by calling 01835 818315 or visit www.bgateway.com/scottishborders.