Director goes to jail
Basingstoke business director Ian Hanson went to prison recently – but thankfully it was to support a charity that encourages prisoners to turn away from a life of crime.
Mr Hanson was invited to give an inspirational seminar about his innovative business, Coms Direct, of Vickers House, Priestly Road, Basingstoke. The presentation to over 40 inmates from two prisons, High Down and Downview in Surrey, was in support of an educational programme provided by the charity, Business Dynamics.
Mr Hanson presented the story behind the acquisition of Coms Direct, a leading business communications service provider. Mr Hanson and his business partner Paul Moss first met in 1988 when they worked together at Telematics (now ECI Telecom) in Basingstoke. They have over 60 years experience in the communications sector between them and took over Coms Direct another Basingstoke based company three years ago. Their customers range from small local businesses to high street brands looking for an expert partner to guide them through the complexity of managed Voice and Data communications.
The seminar gave inmates an insight into the challenges and excitement of running a business in the high tech world of broadband and emerging technologies like Voice over Internet (VoIP). The aim of the day was to inspire the prisoners to turn away from a life of crime once they leave detention.
Mr Hanson is a regular supporter of events run by Business Dynamics and has already given similar seminars to the students of Farnborough College as part of their Business Studies curriculum.
Max Feaver who organised the event for Business Dynamics said: "The fact that Ian is presenting from his own experience and uses the brainstorming notes he wrote with his partner when planning to buy the company brings a realism to the audience and provides a really useful insight to students who are undertaking business studies as well as to inmates who may be considering starting their own business in the future."
Lesley Williams of NESCOT, the organisation that provides and runs the training facilities at both prisons, said: "External presenters with real life experience of running their own business give an excellent insight into what can be achieved through hard work and planning. The subject matter was well received by everyone and stimulated many questions. The inmates have access to a wide range of courses providing skills and qualifications that they can use to improve their employment chances when they leave prison but external presenters are an exciting addition to the education and rehabilitation programme."
