Working together can bring success

LIVING with a debilitating condition hasn’t dented the spirit or determination of Khalid Mahmood.

Wheelchair-bound Khalid’s motto is: “If I can do it, anyone can.”

The 45-year-old Spinal Muscular Atrophy sufferer, from Chadderton, is “very excited” about his business venture, TradeDirectory.com, which is making a big difference to all kinds of businesses.

He now has his eyes firmly set on seeing the global economy get back on its feet.

In 2010 Khalid envisaged starting a business-to-business (B2B) marketplace that would provide companies with opportunities to trade with each other. The result was TradeDirectory.com — a fully-functional and free online B2B portal.

The company has achieved great success, employing 15 staff based around the head office in Yorkshire Street.

“This may be due to our unique business model,” says Khalid, adding: “All services are offered totally free. Membership-related features — such as business profile, unlimited product listings, trade alerts, latest buying and selling leads, trade shows and an application for mobile traders — are all free and will remain so.” The company makes money through online advertising.

As the number of trading members grows “it has become obvious that TradeDirectory.com will not only succeed in creating jobs but will also help save jobs,” he believes.

Around 15 people from various backgrounds contribute regularly, including Chinese and Arabic Language translators and qualified auditors.

Mr Mahmood’s condition is a rare form of muscle-wasting disease, which has significantly restricted his mobility. Around 25 years ago his consultant neurologist gave him a bleak prognosis — in 10 years, he would lose all his muscles. Positive thinking, determination and special exercises have helped him to retain some function, he says.