How a Transporter Kombi helped turn passion into a thriving business

When Nik O’Flynn, from Theydon Bois in Essex, was made redundant, she took a leap of faith, trading her car for a van and starting her own dog training business, Taking the Lead.

She says: “Ten years ago I was working shifts in the city. I loved it, but when my company started making cuts, it got me thinking. “I’ve always loved dogs – I’ve got two, Nero, six, and Ollie, 12 – and I’d always been excited by the idea of working with animals. Redundancy gave me the time and the push to turn my passion into a career.”

Nik’s business took off and she now works in a team of three, offering everything from puppy classes to agility, gundog sessions and scentwork.

She took a neighbour’s advice, plumping for a VW Transporter Kombi. “I’d always fancied a camper with a built-in kitchen, but I needed the van for work, so had to be practical. But it’s turned out that the Transporter Kombi is perfect – you get the best of both worlds.”

With easy-to-move seats and plenty of space, Nik has no problem fitting in all her training equipment. She adds: “I’m working outside, rain or shine, and the van is great. It’s easy to drive and super comfortable.”

It’s also boosted her leisure time, from camping in Scotland to mountain biking, or kayaking along the River Lea, not far from her home. “My son, Conrad, who’s 20, is at university in Scotland, so sometimes I’ll drive up to visit him and tag on a weekend at a beautiful campsite,” she says.

“I’ve always been active, but now I find excuses to go exploring with friends or my 15-year-old daughter, Marnie, and husband, Jim, 60. We’ve travelled all over the country. The kayaks go on the roof and there’s a rack for the bikes on the back. 

“Plus, with extra seats, I can get my mates in and still have room for a big picnic. “Usually, we’ll do a big bike ride, then get out the deckchairs and sit around with a cuppa to watch the sun going down.” 

Article originally published on thetimes.com