Iain Scott | web design

Iain Scott, the owner and manager of Base Creative, runs a web design and digital marketing agency. The Base Creative team build websites, design web based management systems and assist with online advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients. We asked Iain to share his experience with HBV.

“I wanted to start a business purely for the experience of it. I was keen to start from the beginning, with nothing but raw passion, motivation and of course the skill I was selling. I wanted to have the experience of starting from scratch, learning the roles, taking advice, listening to others and growing personally. Six years down the line, I encourage those who work with me to do the same.

Originally, I came to HBV for advice and support, that was six years ago. More recently, it was to take the business to the next step. I had a plan for 2009 and knew that in order to fulfil it, it needed outside funding. Most businesses use some form of funding as an investment. We are no different.

HBV were an enormous help to me. The understanding and emphatic individuals saw the passion and dedication that had been built up over the last six years. They were happy to put the company in front of a funding panel who went on to give the green flag and approved our loan application to HBV. As a business owner, it is very hard not to confuse business and personal life. The whole process was a huge learning curve and there have been one or two individuals who I will remain in contact with to grow the company.

The best thing about going into business has been meeting different people, doing different things, managing and constantly changing entity, making money, growing in confidence and the warm feeling of giving others the opportunity to do the same. The worst thing about going into business has been uncertainty. This could equally be a positive element. Some big successes come from big problems as all problems are really new opportunities. A crystal ball would always be helpful, however!

Growing a business is about constantly reaching for perfection. Perfection is having 100% productivity from everyone, 100% efficiency in systems, and 100% satisfied clients. While achieving that may seem too much, everyone at Base Creative works towards that. On that note, business should get easier everyday. However, unexpected sources of problems will continue to appear. That’s what makes it fun. Personally, one thing I found challenging was confidence. Nothing helps growing in confidence than a swim in the deep end. Once that hurdle is overcome, it shows, and people start having confidence in you too.

For the future, I have many plans in the pipeline for Base Creative. I believe a good business should always have a plan for future development. Bigger clients; a select few additions to the team; personally, and business growth.

What advice would I give to someone starting a new business? I think about this all the time. I have often been invited to deliver seminars to start-up businesses and even students on starting a business and I always say the same thing. The dream, the theme, and the team (a phrase I picked along the way). The motivation and willingness to do it, the idea and concept behind what will make you successful, and finally, the people to help you do it. These don’t have to be employees; just good loyal and honest contacts, business associates and advisors. Contacts will become clients, contacts will become business advisors (even those you only considered to be friends), loyal contacts will become your sales team. Meet people, say hello to a new person every day.”

To find out more about Base Creative visit www.basecreative.eu.