JAMES THOMAS FOG CREATIVE GETTING STARTED

In a few words tell us a bit about your business ?

FOG Creative is a laser engraving business creating bespoke products and providing engraving services to best facilitate our customers needs.

What gives your business 'the x-factor’?

Our x-factor is a good understanding of design ensuring our engraving compliments the item best and always wanting to achieve the highest standards of customer service possible.

What motivated you to set up in business ?

Having previously worked in the film industry which is still now experiencing tough times I wanted something to put my creative and technical understanding too.

What do you like most about working as a start-up?

The best part is all the little incremental wins, seeing it grow and become sustainable and having customers tell me how happy they are with my work. What has been your greatest business success to date?

The biggest success has to be getting my new CO2 laser. It was a lot of work and there had been issues with delivery for over two months, which ended up with me driving to the midlands to pick it up myself. Managing to get it unloaded into my garage and up and running felt like a huge milestone. It now means I can work on far larger projects with greater speed too.

What has been your lowest moment?

My lowest moment was possibly when the reality hit of getting the new machine. I’d put so much energy into getting it, that the realisation hit that I had just spent more money than at any point in the business, evaporated my current profit and at the time had no work to do with it. Thankfully it didn’t last long and I was able to get back to work!

In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?

In 5 years I would hope that the business will be fully sustainable, recognised within the film industry where we provide a number of products but also known outside of it for top quality and conscientious work for all our customers.

What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

Just do it! Take the chance because if you don’t you’ll never know!