English opens door to business world
Language lessons helping to change students' quality of life
Nowadays, it has become quite common for graduates to take some time off to travel the world between leaving university and getting started on their chosen career. They are looking for excitement, adventure and, in many cases, are genuinely hoping for experiences that will open their eyes and perhaps have an impact on the rest of their lives.
In the case of Paul Arkwright, who is now director of Excel Education Ltd, one thing he learned was what it felt like to be at the far side of the world and desperately short of cash. After graduating from the University of East Anglia in the UK with a BSc in ecology, Mr Arkwright first worked to pay off his student debt. He then set off on a two-year trip, much of which was spent in China researching ancient soil samples, before he eventually made his way to Hong Kong.
"I ran out of money and ended up here with just HK$200, thinking I could pick up work easily because it was still a British colony," he says. Initially, all he could afford was a dormitory bed in a cheap guesthouse, while he earned enough to cover daily expenses by handing out leaflets.
Later, when he started work at the Chinese University of Hong Kong writing research papers for publication, he realised there was a definite need for better English language training in Hong Kong. "I met a lot of students and remember being surprised that, even at university level, their standard of English was so poor," he recalls.
At the same time, Mr Arkwright was faced with a significant decision. The university offered him the chance to study for a PhD and he was in two minds about accepting. "To continue in the academic world would have been the more stable route, but I did not want to sit in an ivory tower and be a specialist in just one narrow area," he says. "I wanted a broader overview of things and to have lots of channels for development, from both personal and business perspectives." Therefore, he chose business ahead of academia, fully aware there would be unforeseeable risks involved.
Efforts rewarded
Excel opened its first office in Jordan in a tiny 400-square foot office and with one part-time member of staff. Mr Arkwright readily admits it was tough at first with ridiculously long hours, new challenges every day, and little sign of being able to turn a profit. "Many businesses fold in their first year because they get overwhelmed with the problems, but I was determined not to give up," he says. "I try not to view things as problems, but rather as challenges, and use such situations as learning experiences. This mentality has helped keep me going over the years," he adds.
In the second year, things picked up considerably and, seeing the potential for growth, Mr Arkwright knew he had made the right decision. Today, the Excel Group of Companies employs over 30 staff and has two new dedicated training centres — a 1,200-square foot office in Jordan, and one twice that size in North Point. The company specialises in training civil servants and corporate clients. It also offers private tutorials for both adults and children keen to improve their language skills. Editing, translation and transcription services are also available.
Quality counts
Mr Arkwright attributes the success of the company to a genuine interest in providing quality education. He set up the business partly because it seemed many other so-called "educators" in the private sector were only interested in filling classrooms. "We are actually providing a professional service that benefits people and can have an effect on their quality of life," he explains. For example, students can attain a high level of proficiency in English, which gives them a better chance of getting into their preferred schools or universities.
It also makes good business sense to provide quality education because the best way of getting new clients is through having a good reputation. "It is often said that if somebody goes away happy they will tell two of their friends, but if they go away unhappy, they will tell 10 of their friends," he says.
Although running a business can frequently be all-consuming, Mr Arkwright says that, when he goes home to his wife and children, he tries to forget work completely. "Having time to relax at home is really important for creating the right balance," he says. "Being able to take a step back before approaching a new set of challenges is the best way of gaining a different perspective."
Milestones
2006 – Excel Media Group established with launch of Business English publication
2005 – New training centre opened in North Point
2001 – Company becomes incorporated and launches training programmes in China
1997 – Established Excel Language Consultancy
1994 – Arrived in Hong Kong after two years in China
1991 – Graduated from the University of East Anglia in the UK with a BSc in ecology