Dave Garbera - KH Smilers Limited
Who are you? What do you do? Where do you do it?
Dave Garbera, age 17, Managing Director of KH Smilers Limited, Hull. The business is run from my home.
Why did you start-up a business?
Whilst in Year 10 at Secondary School we were members of a team participating in the Young Enterprise Competition, where we had to form a company and trade for one year. We did not have any experience in business as the subject was not taught in school and it was the first time a team had been entered in the competition. Within five months we had successfully grown our business, selling 3,000 bedding plants and winning the Young Enterprise Hull and Humber Finals and the Yorkshire and Humber Finals. Ultimately we went on to the National Final in London and along the way we collected 16 awards. We paid back our brave shareholders and donated the remainder of the money to the Candlelighters Charity. The company was liquidated at the end of July in accordance with competition rules. We are still very proud of our success.
How (and when) did you start-up a business?
We felt that as the Young Enterprise company was so well known it had a future and could be developed. Secure in the knowledge that the majority of the existing customers wished to place repeat orders for the following year, we investigated the potential for considerable additional growth.
We realised that we had discovered a niche market supplying quality, naturally grown beddings plants, with a free delivery service.
After extensive research a business plan was prepared and the decision was made to set up a limited company. KH Smilers Ltd was incorporated in October 2004 and started trading in January 2005.
What have been the biggest challenges in running your own business? How have these been overcome?
My biggest challenge in setting up the company was a lack of business knowledge, funds and of course my age! It is very difficult to be taken seriously at 15 when I started out!
What have been your greatest achievements in running your business?
Actually setting up the business in the first place was a great achievement for us! On top of that, being selected as one of 3 finalists in the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards in our first year of trading was extremely encouraging. Seeing our orders double in our second year is also something I am very proud of. Attending numerous business orientated events around the region has also been a privilege.
What would be your advice to any young aspiring entrepreneurs?
I would suggest to anyone starting up a new business to conduct as much market research as possible and to try and enlist the services (preferably free of charge!) of a business advisor. Ours has been invaluable. Look in to the possibility of grant funding and under no circumstances work outside your budget!