Karen Darby has made millions and she's still in her first job! This isn't strictly true but she has, in fact, built her very successful business, SimplySwitch, around the enthusiasm she had for her first job in a call centre after leaving school. SimplySwitch is an independent and free price comparison and switching service, that saves consumers millions of pounds every year. When Karen sold her first business she worked as a consultant for other call centre businesses and it was during a customer visit that she had her idea for SimplySwitch.
Launched in 2002 and based in Croydon, SimplySwitch employs over 70 local people to advise callers and help them switch to the best gas, electricity, home phone and broadband deals.
Karen continues to be 100% committed to getting her customers the biggest savings and still loves the contact with people that is core to her business. IiB asked Karen what advice she would give to people starting their own business when other people try to show doubt and pour cold water: "Put your fingers in your ears!" says Karen, "Don't listen. You know it's a good idea so you should go for it!" To see more of our conversation with Karen click to download the video.
In June 2006, Karen won the finance award at the First Women Awards.
Backed by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the award recognises pioneering women who have broken new ground in British business life. In November 2006, she was also a finalist for 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the National Business Awards. This year, her success was again recognised when she met Gordon Brown in Downing Street to discuss investments in ethical businesses.
Karen endorses the Ideas into Business Programme run in Croydon to inspire and support young and growing businesses. She is keen to share her business philosophy and help others on the road to success. Ideas into Business has made Karen one of their "Innovation Champions" to provide a role model for people who are thinking of starting a business or who need new inspiration to really achieve success.
