I am fascinated by small business owners, the backbone of the economy. Hard working people plying their trade often from vans. What interests me is how all the necessary tools of their trade are crammed into these vans. Only the van owner knows exactly where each specific tool is hidden in what to everyone else looks like a chaotic mess. I plan an ongoing series of portraits, which means I will have to start to always carry my Rolleiflex with me, not a bad thing. I will ask then a few simple questions, when they set up the business and why along with the pros and cons of being self-employed. I will also shoot a detail picture inside their van so you can also enjoy the chaos.

 
 
City & Guilds qualified decorator Brian Rice has been self-employed for over 45 years says what he most enjoys is the freedom to come and go as he pleases and being his own boss. What he least likes about his work is climbing up ladders, pricing jobs and all the administration associated with being self-employed.
 
Massimo Mazzeo, who trades as ‘The Italian Coffee Guy’ serves customers drinks in a car park in Horsham, March 20, 2026. Maz, as he likes to be known, made the decision to give up the corporate lifestyle when his father died in 2021, realising that he wanted a different life. He decided to follow his passion for coffee, went to Italy and bought a Piaggio Ape, a 3 wheeled light commercial vehicle, in January 2022 and started trading in July 2022.  He says that he loves his work and the freedom it gives him, meeting people and working in the community.  He added that the local Horsham council have really helped him as a small business and it’s only poor weather that he struggles with as it affects his business.
 
Fish monger Noel McRae established his business in 1987. Being self-employed he enjoys making his own decisions right or wrong and says it’s important to learn from your mistakes and don’t make them again. He believes that people who are PAYE are less satisfied with work as they are employed by others and get stung with heavy taxes. He said the main disadvantage of being self-employed is that if he is sick or goes on holiday, he gets no pay. He added that feels that it’s getting harder for those who are self-employed and easier for everyone employed by the state or government.
 
Decorator Steve Baldwin has worked as a decorator for 30 years and likes to work inside houses on small jobs as opposed to large sites as he feels on big sites there is too much bureaucracy. He enjoys the freedom from PPE requirements and continually having to work around other trades to get the work done. He added that the hours are better, but the downside is that the pay isn’t as good.  
 
Matt opened his aircon and refrigeration business in 2012. He believes that the success of his business is down to his own hard work and feels as a small business owner he gets no extra support from government. Oscar gave up college as he didn’t get on well with it and is now much happier working with Matt in a trade.

 
 
Copyright Russell Boyce