Business Profile: Ace-It Academy Omagh Tuition Centre

Name: Alicia
Company: Ace-It Academy Omagh Tuition Centre
Address: 10 Mountjoy Road, Omagh, BT79 7BA
Contact details: 07935600535

Can you describe your business?

Ace-it Academy is a tuition centre on the Mountjoy Road in Omagh, offering tailored and bespoke tuition to both Primary and Secondary students. Our teachers are 100% fully qualified and experienced subject specialists. We pride ourselves on having dyslexia specialist teachers and resources; all lessons at Ace-it are dyslexia friendly. Recently, we have added theory test tuition to our vast range of subjects. Ace-it actually offer the most diverse range of subjects in the whole of NI!

Why did you start your own business?

There is an unfortunate lack of support for struggling students and particularly those with learning difficulties in Northern Ireland. Having gained a wealth of teaching experience in England, I decided to put that to good use and offer support for children that aren’t being catered for in schools, as a result of the lack of funding available. I have two young babies and so I am in no rush back into a full time teaching position in a school. I love being able to spend valuable time with my family and the flexible hours that the business permits me.

What are the best things about running your own business?

The most rewarding thing is knowing that we are making a genuine difference to the students live. Whether it is helping a struggling dyslexic child to read or helping a GCSE student achieve top exam marks. The progress that the students make and the significant boost in their confidence makes all the hard work worth-while. As a mother I would go to the ends of the earth for my family and so I feel privileged when a parent entrusts their child into our capable hands.

What are the main challenges facing the business?

The initial challenge for myself was finding that healthy balance in terms of being a perfect mother to my two young babies (2 years and 11 months) and running a business as well as planning and delivering outstanding lessons. Luckily with the help of my very supportive partner and the amazing team of staff at Ace-it, I can safely say that I am dedicating my time to both my family and business equally.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

To run a successful business, you must be both passionate and knowledgeable. A lot of hard-work and dedication is required to make your business a success. If you love what you do and give it 100% then clients will see that too and recommend you to others. Reflect on the daily running of your business and assess how you could improve on areas. There are always room for improvements. Think outside of the box!

Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?

Rewarding, fulfilling and motivating.