The end of an era… Goodbye from Helpful Books

By | January 24, 2025

No you’re not mistaken, it’s not Monday! This isn’t a normal “tips” newsletter from Kathryn. Today’s is a different kind of newsletter, and unfortunately it’s a rather unhappy one.

At the end of January 2025, The Helpful Book Company will cease trading.
2024 wasn’t the best year for us, and it’s been a rollercoaster of a time here the last few months. And in the end we haven’t been able to ride out the storm.

For those of you who don’t know the history of our little company, The Helpful Book Company was set up in 2005, by Tim Wakeling, in his attic. He started off with a computer help book called Computers One Step at a Time. And from one tiny advert in Saga Magazine, the whole thing gradually grew to a thriving business, employing about 14 people, and producing books, DVDs (later online courses) and a tech help service, covering a whole range of tech.

Tim stepped back from the business at the end of 2019, and we became employee-owned. Then Covid hit, and with a bit of juggling, and most of us at home, we managed to carry on getting books to people to help them use their smartphones, when the whole world had seemed to go online in an instant.

Very sadly, we lost Tim to cancer at the end of 2021. All of us who knew Tim were devastated, and we know that our long term customers were affected by it too. We had some lovely letters from you, and your incredibly generous donations to his legacy fundraising appeal were testament to how much he meant to you all.

It’s been difficult for lots of small businesses the last few years. Costs have been soaring and lots of people’s belts have been tightened – people just don’t have the spare money they once did. And I think also, the number of people struggling with technology has genuinely decreased. For people who were reluctant to try and learn how to get on the internet, Covid forced their hand – internet use is much more widespread than it was. In short – not as many people have needed our books.

So we’ve had to take the painful decision to close down the business. It wasn’t an easy decision – especially for those of us who’ve been here for the biggest part of our careers (Laura’s whole career, in fact – she joined us straight from school, 18 years ago!)

It’s been a blast. Genuinely, we’ve loved it. We have some of the loveliest customers. Some of you have been with us since we set up business in 2005, some of you had only recently joined us, and I’m sorry to leave you so soon. But we’re grateful for you all – you have always been the reason we were doing this.

I’m happy to say that most of our staff have now found other jobs, including the lovely Kathryn, who sends her warmest regards to you all – she’s loved writing the Monday newsletter and reading your replies.

So there’s not much left to say. There are now just a couple of us left in the office. We’ll be keeping the website running till the end of the weekend, then we’ll pack any last orders and send them off next week, before turning off the lights and closing the shutters for the last time on Friday 31st Jan. So if you want to grab one last “Helpful Book”, head over to our website. (I hope you understand that due to us closing down we aren’t able to take orders by telephone and we won’t be able to offer refunds or returns on any orders.)

We’ll be in touch separately with Inner Circle members and course owners to tell you what will happen with those.

So long, and thanks for everything,

The Helpful Book Company

January 24, 2025

11 thoughts on “The end of an era… Goodbye from Helpful Books

  1. Angela Sams

    Oh that is so sad, you have kept me afloat all these years, and just as i’m about to embark on Window 11, At least i have that book. I wish you all well, you were unique and saved so many of us not good with tech, you had our backs.
    I’m at a loss where i can go now.
    God speed, and take care, lol
    Angela Sams

    Reply
  2. A Sams

    DearMike so glad you finally have your own house, you once kindly took over my pc to resovle an issue during covid so were at your mums home. I shall miss that as i’ve never trusted anyone else, and you didnt use the scammers – anydesk,
    Enjoy your home making it your own, Fortunately i do regularly chekc my alarms but didn’t know of the heat alarm, Screw fix here we come. So sad inner circle closing. Everyone else i’ve asked help from just say – Its dead easy, but their method is so not the brilliant help your group have offered. one thousand thank you’s. Angela

    Reply
  3. Mary Irwin

    I am so very sorry. I am glad Kathryn has a job and I hope you will all find one. Thank you for all your help and cheerfulness. Love, Mary

    Reply
  4. Norman Hatt

    I’m so sorry that you’re closing down. I’ve been with you for many years, right back to when Tim was still sorting out my PC problems. You, Mike, and the rest of the team have helped me with my tech problems many times too over the years. Don’t know what I’d have done without you. I’ve come to think of you all as friends. It’s so sad that you’re not going to be there for us all any more. I wish you, and the whole team all the best for the future.

    Reply
  5. Philip Baxter

    Sorry to learn that you are closing. I’ve bought a couple of books over the years (very helpful); and joined the Inner Circle just recently. I can only wish you all, all the best for the future.

    Reply
  6. Deanna Hinks

    Very sorry to learn that you are closing down.
    It was reassuring to know that help was available at Inner Circle and that will be missed.
    Best wishes to all for the future.

    Reply
  7. P.Earl

    So very sorry to lose you!
    Both the books and the weekly email were much appreciated.
    Always felt great confidence in your advice and liked the friendly way you communicate.
    (Liked the tea bag as well of course).
    Hop that you all find suitable occupations.
    Do contact me if you ever do become a Phoenix.
    Good luck.

    Reply
  8. Michael Priestley

    It’s sad to see the end of an era. For many years I have appreciated your helpful books and weekly emails with so many tips. Pleased to hear that the team have found new jobs.
    Thanks & Best wishes,

    Reply

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