What does your

What does your

business do?

We sell and repair laptops, tablets, smartphones and PCs.

At the moment we have a great range of refurbished and new laptops from £100 so we can fit into most people's specifications and budgets.

Also we have noticed that a lot of our repairs tend to be replacing smashed iPhone screens.

Where are you based?

We are on the first floor of Crockets, just off Buchanan Street, so it's a great location. Being in Crockets keeps our overheads down and we also benefit from the great reputation they have.

How did you get started?

I started selling computers more than 20 years ago and have progressed from there.

My first online business was www.itdiscounts.co.uk, in 2008, selling mainly Dell hardware, and now LaptopLaptop is a great progression as we can focus on more local services in Glasgow.

What is your background?

I left school at 16 to become a pipefitter. However, after my four year apprentice-ship, I realised this was not for me. I got into computers and realised I was good at selling, so the rest is history.

What is your top tip?

Keep it simple. I like things that are straightforward and I try to refrain from being over technical. If things get too complicated my brain tends to freeze.

How long has your business been running?

LaptopLaptop has been here for nine months, but I have been self-employed for six years.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

I looked into getting some help from various business start-up schemes, but as I was male and over 30 there was not much out for me, except for my credit card.

What was your first deal?

I quit a job one Friday morning and had a 12k server deal by the close of business that day. That was an exciting moment and I've never looked back since.

What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently?

I've made plenty of mistakes but fortunately nothing that was too damaging, I'd like to think that I will never make those errors again.

Who was/is your mentor/or inspiration?

Dale Cumming (Former MD of Euro PC) gave me a lot of freedom in a sales role and was always asking for our sales and marketing ideas. His positivity was infectious.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

To be the first place that people of Glasgow will come for all their IT requirements. And we may look to cover more of Scotland.

Contact

sales@laptoplaptop.co.uk