24-Year-Old Printing.com Franchisee's Scots Shop

It was a desire to leave Edinburgh and return home to Aberdeen that led to 24 year-old Sumon Hoque to set up his own business.

It was a desire to leave Edinburgh and return home to Aberdeen that led to 24 year-old Sumon Hoque to set up his own business.

Prior to moving back to Aberdeen Sumon managed the Printing.com franchise in Edinburgh (Scotyland).

Hoque commented: "I knew that I wanted to relocate to Aberdeen and also that I wanted to run my own business.

It made sense to me that I should combine my practical business experience with my knowledge of the north east and this resulted in my decision to set up the Aberdeen franchise of Printing.com." Since setting up his Aberdeen business in last January Hoque has grown his client base to over 100 customers.

He commented: "The ethos of the business is based on providing customers with a high quality service.

This has certainly worked as the client base continually growing and the level of repeat business is approximately 95 per cent." As Printing.com is a franchise, Hoque received information from Printing.com, however, he also found that the support and advice that he got and continues to get, from Business Gateway has been invaluable.

Hoque explained: "When I was first setting up the business I approached Business Gateway and they allocated me a business advisor and he has provided me with information and advice at each step of the way.

When setting up a business there are many elements to consider and lots of decisions to make.

I have found it extremely useful to be able to access relevant information as and when necessary." According to Hoque one of the most important lessons that he learnt from Business Gateway was on marketing his business.

He commented: "You can have the best business idea going but if you don't market it properly then it won't get off the ground.

Business Gateway was able to provide me with general marketing information, as well as specifics on breaking in to new markets and determining which market segments to target." Hoque was also able to access grants and loans through Business Gateway and he explained that as he is 24, he qualified for a GBP1,000 start up grant from Business Gateway, which helped him to get the business off the ground and start to develop his marketing plan.

Hoque's business advisor also alerted him to the fact that he could access loans via the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT).

He commented: "As a result of receiving a GBP5,000 loan from PSYBT I have been able to move my business from serviced offices in to retail premises.

This is an important part of growing the business and moving it forwards." As his business continues to go from strength to strength Hoque is looking to recruit a new member of staff.

He said: "By the end of the second quarter of 2007 I should be in a position to employ a second member of staff.

This will be extremely important for the business as not only will it allow me to continue to add to the client base but it should also mean that I can step back from the front line of the business and fill a more strategic role." The Business Gateway service in Grampian is delivered by Enterprise North East Trust.

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