CREDIT crunch, what credit crunch?

A South Devon businesswoman is bucking the economic downturn, and planning to go national.

Cathy Gillard has found there is an insatiable demand for IT know-how.

Her gamble to quit a safe and comfortable job at South Devon College about twoyears ago to launch out on her own has paid off big time.

A specialist IT teacher, she set up Laptop Learning by giving basic computer lessons from her motorhome in the Sainsburys car park at the Willows, Torquay.

It proved a huge hit, as people flocked in to learn how to get the best from their laptops and PCs.

Business is booming and Cathy has now moved into a new office at the Innovation Centre at the Lymington Road coach station, and wants to franchise her concept across the country next year.

"I am in the middle of rolling out a package following our successful system and techniques, with the aim of setting up nationwide franchises.

"We will provide all the necessary training to people wanting to take up a franchise, and the most important skill they will need is to be a good teacher," she said.

She admitted being 'a bit nervous' about leaving the college after so many years, but reckons it was one of the best things she has ever done.

"Virtually from day one there has been a big demand from young and old for more computer knowledge. Ages range from 10 to 100, and some customers are complete beginners who have just bought, or been given a computer, but find it a challenge to operate," she said.

"Some have tried to learn from books, or attended large classes at schools or colleges, and found it difficult to progress in such environments

"More and more people are buying computers, and they either want to learn the very basic skills, or progress to more advanced programmes.

"I think we have done so well because we offer one-to-one tuition, which up-skills even the most anxious learner fast and efficiently.

"Many of our current customers are retired, but we are also seeing an increasing number of young people who are anxious about honing their skills in their jobs, or even at school. Other are worried about being made redundant, and want to improve their IT knowledge to give them a better chance if they have to find another job."

Laptop Learning specialises in teaching e-mail, photo and internet skills, and also offers more advanced training, particularly in mastering Microsoft Office techniques.

Cathy's campervan has served its purpose, and she now intends to use it for leisure — if she has the time.