‘Disability is no obstacle to success’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

‘Disability is no obstacle to success’

10:23am Wednesday 13th October 2010 in Business By Chris Holland

An interview tomorrow could decide whether a Bradford-based immigration advisers clinches a £50,000 national award for disabled entrepreneurs.

Mark Taylor is already through to the last five in the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs. If he passes tomorrow’s interview, he will meet former EasyJet and serial entrepreneur boss Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in a couple of weeks for the final reckoning.

The award winner will be announced in November Mark entered the competition after his father spotted a letter in a newspaper from Sir Stelios promoting the competition.

Mark said: “I completed the application form on the train back from London, sent it in and forgot about it. To have reached the final five is really surprising, but I’m chuffed and now I want to win it.”

If he does win, then national recognition will have come quickly for Mark, who launched The Taylor Partnership in Keighley two years ago. The company, which advises and represents individuals and organisations across the UK on immigration, equality and social justice matters, is now based on Manningham Lane in Bradford.

Mark became disabled at the age of 30 when he suffered a serious brain infection which left him with mobility problems, including a serious limp.

For someone who spends much of his time travelling around by train, being unable to drive, his disability is tiring and adds an extra dimension to running a business and meeting clients’ needs.

In spite of this, however, Mark, who started the consultancy after seven years as PA to former Keighley MP Anne Cryer, has seen the Taylor Partnership grow quickly.

Starting with a desk and a phone line, he has expanded to employ eight full-time legal and support staff and is currently recruiting more people. A new office in Manchester, and a healthy overseas trade is providing a further catalyst for growth.

The Taylor Partnership acts as consultants to local businesses on a wide range of employment and migration issues, and is registered to give immigration and asylum advice. It acts for individuals, businesses and schools and colleges throughout the UK and, increasingly, overseas.

Mark said migration issues had major implications for the UK economy. For instance, the amount of fees paid to UK colleges by overseas students contributed millions of pounds every year.

His company represents and advises many individuals from Zimbabwe and Mark writes columns in several publications in that county.

Speaking of life as a disabled businessman, Mark said: “Any disability brings with it all sorts of difficulties and pressures. However, for me, my disability is just one of a whole range of issues that affect the way I operate my business. When it is managed, like everything else, disability should not be a problem or an obstacle to success.

“Going to work and having a purpose in life has always been important to me. It boosts self-worth and confidence.

“Setting yourself challenges, and striving to achieve them, is often the best medicine anyone can have.

“My disability has helped me to be more understanding and determined to assist others.

“I am particularly proud of the work I have done on behalf of Horton Housing Association to assist in setting up its training centre for vulnerable people and support of Bradford Day Shelter.

“I am both surprised and delighted that Leonard Cheshire Disability has chosen to shortlist my application. They support thousands of disabled people in the UK and work in 52 countries, campaigning for change and provide innovative services that give disabled people the opportunity to live life their way.”

Sir Stelios launched the awards in 2007 to give recognition to disabled entrepreneurs and raise awareness of the skills and inventiveness of those with disabilities.