Richard Hunter, 52, from Perthshire set up his own company after years of working in economic development in Scotland and England.
The founder of the unique Battlefield Live Dundee a two-level urban war zone including bullet- and shell-damaged houses where players go head to head to play out war scenarios at Kingsway East Leisure Park shares with us the secret of his success.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A I studied economics and public policy at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Afterwards I worked as an economic development professional for a long time with various English councils and latterly with Scottish Enterprise.
Around four years ago I took a voluntary redundancy package as I wanted to apply my business planning skills on a project of my own.
I wanted to do something completely different, and over the years had seen how much my son enjoyed playing laser tag.
I thought that if I could take that concept and combine it with the huge interest in console-based combat , I would create something unique: a real first-person physical combat game.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A Business Gateway assisted me while I was pulling my business plan together, and they also helped with a number of courses which helped me to learn about some of the practical aspects of running your own business.
The courses I attended focused on marketing, online marketing, sales and VAT.
My family have been very supportive and helpful, in particular, Mandy my wife and both of my children Jodie and Jamie, who have helped with everything from building work through marketing ideas, to catering and reception duties.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
A Allowing the business, and myself, to be side-tracked for far too long on property issues.
We wasted too much time on what ultimately became failed deals.
Q What is your greatest achievement to date?
A It has to be that we have created a unique entertainment experience which has been consistently rated as the No 1 attraction in Dundee by TripAdvisor over the last two years.
We’ve won a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence, which means that we’re in the top 10% of businesses worldwide by customer feedback.
Q What do you hope to achieve?
A I want to drive my business forward, increasing profit and turnover to realise its full potential.
We also want to continue to develop the customer experience, driving it to an even higher level.
Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
A We currently employ five part-time staff plus me full time. But soon we will need a couple more staff to cope with increased levels of business.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A Keeping on top of everything and knowing what to prioritise.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A If you feel that you want to, and need to do it, then you probably can. There can be incredibly tough days, but people will be much more helpful that you expect.
Lots of people have spent time giving me help and advice when there was no real advantage to them.
Also speak to Business Gateway as having outside support really does make a huge difference.
Q How do you relax?
A These days I don’t get to do too much relaxing, but when I can I enjoy time with my family, reading, skiing and going to see films.