Glen Hopkinson - Connect Yorkshire
Who are you? What do you do? Where do you do it?
Dr. Glen Hopkinson Managing Director, Connect Yorkshire, Leeds. We are a not-for-profit business that helps nurture and support young technology businesses. See www.connectyorkshire.org
Why did you start-up a business?
I had a good idea! Also was made redundant which precipitated action! You could say I was a reluctant entrepreneur…
How (and when) did you start-up a business?
1992 and ran it until trade sale in 2000. I was also involved in a successful University spin-out that commercialised my research from 1987 to 1992.
What have been the biggest challenges in running your own business? How have these been overcome?
Raising finance in the initial stages; thankfully I managed to find some by selling equity. Bridging gaps! Negotiation is a key skill that all successful people in business have to master.
What have been your greatest achievements in running your business?
Creating an environment that stimulates creativity and encourages decision making. Building a team that is working collectively towards a common goal is what leadership is all about. Being liked by my employees and hated by my competitors!
What would be your advice to any young aspiring entrepreneurs?
Give it a go! Working for yourself can be great fun and very rewarding. But ask yourself – Why you? You have to become better than the competition in some way if you are going to succeed in the long term. Think about how to be the best you can and differentiate yourself. Also take on board all the advice you can: you don’t have all the answers.