A FORMER soldier, who became a surveillance specialist during a 13-year army career, has set up his own business teaching counter surveillance techniques to personal injury compensation claimants.

Andy Kift from Malvern, came up with the unusual idea during a post-army career as a surveillance operative for an international surveillance company. “I began to feel very uncomfortable with some of the methods used by insurance companies to undermine genuine compensation claims,” he said. But the 54-year-old, who has rheumatoid arthritis, feared his lack of business experience might count against him and thwart his entrepreneurial ambitions, until he was referred to Remploy, the UK’s leading provider of specialist employment support.

"I knew all about surveillance but almost nothing about business,” admitted Mr Kift, whose internet-based company provides counter surveillance training material, including e-books and videos. “However, Remploy provided a nurturing environment and some much-needed expert advice.”

Adam Woodruff, an employment advisor at Remploy’s Worcester branch, added: "Initially, the most important thing was to convince him that I was treating his ideas seriously. After that it was a case of putting Andy in touch with colleagues who are specialists in self-employment."

Humera Rafiq, Remploy’s business advisor in the West Midlands, said: "Because of his inexperience, Andy hadn’t really thought about marketing his business and how he would cope without a regular income during the development stage. That’s where we were able to help. When Remploy candidates like Andy express an interest in self-employment we are here to help with bespoke business support. We also work with partner organisations to ensure candidates have access to the high quality support they need.

“Of course, self-employment is not going to be right for everyone. But it could be an option for people who require flexible working patterns as a result of a disability or health condition. It also aligns with Remploy’s mission to help support more people into sustainable employment.”