Like many college leavers, 19-year-old Alex Thompson has faced a real challenge in securing full time employment. As a hospitality professional and following 143 job applications and 3 interviews, he has only been able to secure part-time positions. However, Alex has not let that stand in his way of trying to build a career.

Frustrated by lack of opportunity. he decided to create his own opportunity and started his payments consultancy business, PayOmni. Following an education programme in payments, Alex now visits local business to see if he can help them save money on ever increasing card terminal and payment acceptance fees.

Alex said, “Every job I was going for I would always get the feedback that they were looking for people with more experience.  But how can you get experience if businesses won’t give young people opportunities.”  On his decision to create his own consultancy business, Alex explained “My dad is in the payments industry and introduced me to payments businesses that allow me to build my own business and re-sell their card terminals and payments products. You’d be surprised how much businesses overpay on their card acceptance solutions and by helping them save money, the business can reinvest those savings back into their business.” 

According to Youth Unemployment Statistics, there were 450,000 unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds in March to May 2024, while 1.81 million were economically inactive.  The unemployment rate for people aged 18 to 24 is now 12%, up from 10.8% the year before. But that hasn’t stopped Alex.

Last week, Alex and PayOmni secured their first major partnership with Coleshill originated Web Design Agency business, KIJO. Alex will be providing consultation to KIJO to enable them to dramatically reduce their clients cost of accepting payments on their websites.    

Don’t be surprised if you see occasionally see Alex on the streets of Coleshill and Castle Bromwich trying to help local businesses save money.  You can check out his website at www.payomni.co.uk or email him at alex@payomni.co.uk.