Duncan McCallum - McCallum Layton
Who are you? What do you do? Where do you do it?
I’m Duncan McCallum, a Partner in a market research agency called McCallum Layton. Our offices are near Thorner in North Leeds but we undertake research all over the world.
Why did you start-up a business?
Many years ago I was working for a company when one of the staff retired after 35 years service; at that moment I realised that in another 35 years the party would be for me. I asked myself the question “Do I want to be working here in 35 years or do I want to try and build my own business?” The answer was obvious.
How (and when) did you start-up a business?
When I resigned from my employment to set up McCallum Layton in 1982 I bought my company car from my old employer for £4,000, sold it for £7,000 and bought another for £500. The £2,500 profit I made paid my living expenses for the next 6 months. I had a modest amount saved and I used this to rent a small office. For the next 2 years I licked and posted hundreds of envelopes, phoned people, knocked on doors and gradually the work started to come in.
What have been the biggest challenges in running your own business? How have these been overcome?
When we set up in 1982, the majority of market research agencies were London-based; it was an up-hill struggle to convince companies that they could obtain this service locally. We overcame their scepticism by consistently providing work of a higher quality, and at a lower cost, than that provided by London agencies.
What have been your greatest achievements in running your business?
Turning an idea in to a reality – a company that provides employment for over 30 full-time and 100 part-time workers. Also, convincing companies that you do not have to use London-based agencies to get good market research.
What would be your advice to any young aspiring entrepreneurs?
Be committed and willing to work hard. If you’re prepared to work at your business 8 days a week, 5 weeks a month and 13 months a year you’ll probably succeed, if you’d rather chill out and listen to your ipod, then you probably won’t.