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'I wanted to be a programmer since I was 12' [Evening Times (Glasgow, Scotland)](Evening Times (Glasgow, Scotland) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Who are you Lee McLaughlin, 26. What does your business do We are a mobile software development company at heart and are working on our first product PrintAR - an Augmented Reality platform which lets large advertisers to small marketers bring anything from business cards to magazines and newspapers to life with 3D interactive experiences when the consumer scans the print with their phone. Where are you based Glasgow Espark hatchery, which allows us access to lots of like- minded people to network with and get mentoring support for the business, not to mention keeps overheads down. How did you get started I worked for some of the big names in the mobile industry for a few years and decided it was time to try something for myself so I started IC Mobile Lab from my box room with my laptop and found some clients who needed mobile apps developed while I developed product ideas. I moved out of the box room seven months later to a DEG Incubator at Glasgow University to take on my first hire (a PT Graphic Designer). What is your background I worked on mobile platforms as an Engineer and Consultant for three years at Symbian/Nokia/Accenture (turbulent time of sale and divestments between these companies) after graduating with Computing Science and Electronics degree from the University of Edinburgh. I grew up in the South Side of Glasgow in Pollok and won a Robertson Scholarship when going off to university which helped pay the bills. My uncle taught me to code in QBASIC when I was about 12 on a Windows 98 machine and I have wanted to be a programmer ever since. What is your top tip The one thing you shouldn't rush is hiring. How long has your business been running One year and four months. Has anyone helped you get started and how I've had support from Business Gateway on accessing the services available in Glasgow area as well as support from Princess Trust and Glasgow City Council through their Digital Enterprise Glasgow initiative. Recently I entered the Espark Glasgow hatchery when I needed some space to take on staff without massive overheads. What was your first deal A mobile application developed for a florist to help couples manage their wedding. What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently Definitely thinking things would move faster than they did with accessing funding. It's a slow process and took around a year from initial introductions. Where do you plan your business to be in five years' time We want to grow the firm to a team of about 12 and have customers in most countries. Useful contacts [email protected] EACH week the Evening Times throws the spotlight on one of the dozens of new businesses determined to succeed. They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to succeed in the face of continuing economic hardship. Many new businesses are struggling to take off because of the economic downturn, and this column offers advice for potential start- ups. Each company answers the same questions about their business and their answers appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday. This week we highlight Lee McLaughlin, of IC Mobile Lab. Lee McLaughlin, 26. What does your business do We are a mobile software development company at heart and are working on our first product PrintAR - and Augmented Reality platform which lets large advertisers to small marketers bring anything from business cards to magazines and newspapers to life with 3D interactive experiences when the consumer scans the print with their phone. Where are you based Glasgow Espark Hatchery, which allows us access to lots of like minded people to network with and get mentoring support for the business, not to mention keeps overheads down. How did you get started I worked for some of the big names in the mobile industry for a few years and decided it was time to try something for myself so I started IC Mobile Lab from my box room with my laptop and found some clients who needed mobile apps developed while I developed product ideas. I moved out of the box room seven months later to a DEG Incubator at Glasgow University to take on my first hire (a PT Graphic Designer). What is your background I worked on mobile platforms as an Engineer and Consultant for three years at Symbian/Nokia/Accenture (turbulent time of sale and divestments between these companies) after graduating with Computing Science and Electronics degree from the University of Edinburgh. I grew up in the South Side of Glasgow in Pollok and won a Robertson Scholarship when going off to university which helped pay the bills. My uncle taught me to code in QBASIC when I was about 12 on a Windows 98 machine and I have wanted to be a programmer ever since. What is your top tip The one thing you shouldn't rush is hiring. How long has your business been running One year and four months. Has anyone helped you get started and how I've had support from Business Gateway on accessing the services available in Glasgow area as well as support from Princess Trust and Glasgow City Council through their Digital Enterprise Glasgow initiative. Recently I entered the Espark Glasgow hatchery when I needed some space to take on staff without massive overheads. What was your first deal A mobile application developed for a florist to help couples manage their wedding. What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently Definitely thinking things would move faster than they did with accessing funding. It's a slow process and took around a year from initial introductions. Where do you plan your business to be in five years' time We want to grow the firm to a team of about 12 and have customers in most countries. Useful contacts [email protected] (c) 2013 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |