Matt Gambles, 28, from Dunkeld, has started his own business after years of working around the world.
The outdoor adventure enthusiast who founded Paddle Surf Scotland shares the secret of his success with The Courier.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A We set up the business earlier this year to help show why stand up paddleboarding is the world’s fastest growing watersport. Scotland is the ideal SUP destination, as it is surrounded by lochs, rivers, stunning coast and great surf.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A I have been working around the world for well over 10 years in the watersports and outdoor adventure industry, from whitewater rafting to abseiling and bungee jumping. My two greatest passions have been kayaking and surfing, and SUP combines them together. The opportunity to work in SUP with the sport growing so quickly was too tempting to resist, and with Loch Tay on my doorstep it was the perfect place to set up the business.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A As well as the advice of fellow outdoor and watersports industry professionals, I have been lucky enough to engage with Business Gateway. My adviser helped to break down the barriers behind setting up a business and helped me to engage with fellow entrepreneurs all at the same stage of setting up. I also attended Business Gateway’s start up workshops which were really helpful, Highland Perthshire Partnership and Perth and Kinross Council also helped.
Q What is your greatest achievement to date?
A Seeing people having smiles on their faces as they discover how accessible SUP is.
Q What do you hope to achieve in the future? Do you want to recruit?
A To expand Paddle Surf Scotland so that we work on a nationwide scale. It is early days for Paddle Surf Scotland, but hopefully expansion nationwide would mean taking on enthusiastic SUPers to share their passion.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A Follow your dreams, seek advice and contact your local Business Gateway, they can be a great focal point for putting a business plan together.
Q How do you relax?
A Stand up paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking and snowboarding. It’s all about the water for me.
Q If you could paddleboard anywhere in the world where would it be?
A It would be where SUP originated: the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Oahu.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A Switching off at night. No one should be dreaming about internet ad campaigns!