Home  Sector IT & E-business Making a business connection
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Making a business connection |
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More UK households have a mobile connection than a landline, according to one Scottish business hopeful.
And with over 70 million mobile phone subscriptions in the UK, it’s no wonder that entrepreneur John O’Neil wanted to tap into the one of the country’s fastest growing markets. With a career as a professional footballer coming to an end, John was looking for an exciting business he could run without the need for specialist skills.
Having explored many options, including franchises and established businesses, John came across a new idea he had never heard of - public mobile phone charge stations.
John said: “A friend introduced me to the concept, which is huge in Asia since its launch is 2002, but remains an untapped market in the UK.”
“The product we offer, Chargepoint, is a unique and innovative public mobile phone charge station which gives the majority of mobiles, blackberrys and iPods up to eight hours of standby time from a 10 minute charge.”
Designed for the UK and European markets, the charge units also house an integrated 17 inch LCD screen, offering businesses a low cost, digital advertising platform.
Launched only four months ago, the fledgling company, Northern Charge, has already secured an impressive list of clients including major shopping centers such as Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries, Braehead, and Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal. And John has high hopes to grow this even further.
John, who used his savings to fund for the business, said: “We know mobile phones are one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors and we aim to capitalize on this.”
“Early takings have been encouraging and once people become more familiar with the charge station concept, we hope to expand further into areas with higher consumer footfall such as airports, casinos, universities and hotels.”
Currently, there is no cost for hosting a Chargepoint unit and the host also benefits from a share of the revenue.
Having no business background, John admits he has found setting up a company “great learning curve”.
He said: “The biggest hurdle for me has been the administration and financial running of the business. Apart from some help and advice from Business Gateway, I have had to learn much of this as I go along. 20 years as a footballer certainly does not prepare you for this! However, I do enjoy getting out there and introducing Chargepoint to clients. Feedback has been good and I’ve got high hopes for the future of the company.”
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