Q How and why did you start in business?
I started Scaramanga in 2006 after travelling around the world several years earlier. I discovered a brown leather satchel in a dusty bazaar in India as well as other small handmade home accessories and thought there could be a business to be started selling classic leather satchels and bags and original vintage homewares. So I wrote a business plan and started the business with £2,000.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
It often seems just like yesterday that I started the business from the spare room at home, but it took several years working 12-hour days designing and selling new bags, discovering authentic old furniture and interiors and creating our brand. Of course I did not do it all myself and I work with a great bunch of skilled and enthusiastic people who have contributed to growing the business.
Q Who else has helped you along the way?
There are so many people who have made and continue to make Scaramanga such a great company. We have a fantastic dedicated team in Cupar, our stores in St Andrews and Edinburgh and our network of suppliers. My wife, Emma, helped out tirelessly in the early days and we have had support from friends and family.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
I would like to think there have been no major disasters at Scaramanga. Six years ago we were approached by a couple of big high street brands looking to stock our leather satchels, but our suppliers were unable to make enough bags. Today we have built a network of reliable bag makers capable of scaling up their production to make up to 2,500 bags in 60 days.
Q What is your greatest achievement to date?
I think we have achieved a lot in the nine years since Scaramanga started. However, I think the evolution of Scaramanga into a lifestyle brand and the expansion of our product ranges from leather satchels, to other classic vintage-inspired bags and original vintage homewares and furniture. At any time we have more than 2,000 different products available to buy online or through our stores. All our vintage furniture is authentic, handmade and all individually picked by me.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
Yes we would like to create a larger wholesale and trade department, carry out more restoration and upcycling ourselves and expand and develop our overseas markets further.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
Be inspired make time to find inspiration. If you have an idea do your research and find out who your customers and competitors are. Set realistic objectives and goals, create a brand with clear identifiable brand values. Write a comprehensive business plan and ask an experienced business adviser or mentor to review it.