Charity begins with the phone

The death of Mr Helliwell's daughter inspired the creation of Charcom

John Helliwell, 38, started his career in the goldmines of South Africa.

Following a selection of management jobs on his return to the UK, Mr Helliwell returned to university to study computing in an effort to leave management.

But in 1999 his daughter Abbie died of cot death. This changed his career path.

After working at alternative UK telephone call supplier Swiftcall, Mr Helliwell decided to see whether he could use his knowledge of the telecom market to raise money for charities that offer help with the study of infant death.

He approached the Federation into the Study of Infant Death with the proposal and it agreed. This in turn led to the creation of Charcom which can now benefit all charities, not just infant death ones.

What was your first car?

My first car was a Lada. My father bought it for me as a surprise - at probably five times the market value - shortly before I went to university.

At the time, a Lada was one of the least trendy cars and I was the laughing stock of all my friends, even the ones who could not drive.

I kept it for about two years as I did not have the heart to change it. I knew my father would have been hurt.

What was your first job?

My first job was delivering the Herts Advertiser, the local weekly paper in Radlett, every Thursday afternoon.

I was paid £1.20 per week and had to deliver about 100 papers to some enormous houses with long drives and big dogs who appeared to hang around in gangs waiting for me.

What was your first house?

My first house was a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Park Street, St Albans that I bought in 1996 for £87,500.

What's the best bit of business advice you've had?

Don't wait for it to happen, make it happen

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I am inspired by a number of people. My wife Polly, for instance, who has taught me diplomacy.

I am always inspired by those who show real grit and determination.

I once read a book called Enders Game in which the central character had the attitude of 'It doesn't matter what you throw at me, it doesn't matter what you do, I will not let you beat me'.

Reading about that sort of strength and courage inspired me to make Charcom a reality.

Above all else, my daughter Abbie inspires me. Her short life was the catalyst that brought Charcom to life.

What's the biggest challenge facing business now?

Employment regulations and the compensation culture.

What was the proudest moment of your career?

In 1991, I was working at Driefontain in South Africa, the world's second deepest gold mine as a contract miner.

My stope - the place where I was working - was 3 kilometres underground. I managed a team of approximately 40 workers in 35 degrees Celsius heat and 95% humidity in a remnant area for a six month period.

During that time, I achieved record productivity with a 100% safety record in a mine where an average of 30 to 40 people per year were killed.

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Alternative telecom provider Charcom was set up in 2003 as a competitive company with the capability to raise funds for charity.

The not-for-profit group buys telephone services from UK suppliers at wholesale prices, then resells these to customers.

When customers join, they select which charities their money will go to. All profits and 10% of the value of bills are donated to good causes.