Ben Mottram, 52, is a web designer-turned-CEO of ServiSeek, an app that aims to connect clients with businesses offering a range of services, from haircuts to interior decorating.
Ben was inspired to create ServiSeek three years ago, when his wife was struggling to make a hair appointment in Wimborne, where they live.
Ben Mottram (Image: Submitted)
He said: “In a geeky way I suppose, I created a little program which would pull all the information off of Google for local hairdressers and send emails out to them.
“Then I thought, what happens if you brought this into an app that someone could use in a more practical way?”
After a few years of work with a small team of developers, Ben released the pilot version of his app in Spring, taking to Facebook to alert the public.
“I was amazed,” he said.
“I put it out on Facebook asking for feedback and I got an amazing response. I think I got about 600 people signing up for it in a month.”
The first users of the app were able to identify some of its bugs and make suggestions for extra features, which Ben implemented over a further two months for the next release.
The app was finally accepted into the Apple iOS store on Tuesday, October 13.
The app is similar to other tradesperson recommendation sites, but without the pesky hidden fees.
He said: “I went out to local businesses, one cleaning lady said that on other sites it would cost her about £30 in tokens just to reply to a customer’s request.
“That’s not good for the customer or the business.”
ServiSeek offers a fair alternative and is free for anyone to sign up. Businesses can create a profile showcasing their work, message customers, and even take payments through the app.
The app successfully processed 60 jobs on its first release.
Ben said: “When you’re actually creating work for people, it feels like you’re doing something really worthwhile.
“I want to help local people and businesses so they can connect together in a fair, safe way.”
Ben has been working in tech since the 90s and brings a personal approach to the role of CEO.
He said: “When people come back to me, it’s not like I’m some faceless guy in California.
“I’m here, trying to fix the app to make it good for them.”
Ben is appealing to customers and businesses to give the app a go and provide feedback.
“I really want people to try this out and see how it works,” he said.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into this, and I think it can genuinely be a really great service for people.”