His business hero is Elon Musk and he’s more interested in stock rotation than playing football.
A 10-year-old from Liff, on the outskirts of Dundee, has enjoyed remarkable success as one of Tayside’s youngest entrepreneurs.
Derek Mann has bombarded his mum with ideas for businesses since the age of five.
When, aged eight, Derek suggested creating a sweetie delivery service, his mum agreed – but only if he saved up his pocket money.
His Sweetie Drop business officially launched in February last year.
Auchterhouse Primary School pupil Derek said: “I love sweets and I want to make other people happy.”
Dundee sweetie delivery service takes off
Initially the sweetie service was promoted to friends and family on Facebook but it quickly took off.
Mum Anne Blaylock said: “Derek showed real commitment to save up £70 in pocket money to buy sweets from a wholesaler.
“We then bought mini pizza boxes, filled them with sweets and put motivational messages on them.
“It’s Derek’s business and he is the creative genius at thinking up different themes for boxes – and, of course, testing the sweets.”
Word spread about the sweetie delivery service on social media and last year one of Derek’s customers offered to build him a website.
He has developed his supply chain to specialist sweetie manufacturers and wholesalers throughout Scotland.
Sweetie Drop now fulfils around 100 orders a month, with Derek and his mum delivering to customers throughout Tayside.
“It’s funny, sometimes people ask Derek if he’s helping his mum,” Anne said.
“I have to explain that I’m working for him!
“We’ve met quite a few kids as well who say, ‘wow, I could start a business too’. It’s good to know that he’s inspiring other youngsters.”
Sweetie profits give charity boost
Kind-hearted Derek has given away the majority of his profits to local causes, with more than £1,000 given to charities in sweets and donations.
What makes his success in business all the more impressive is that Derek is severely dyslexic and unable to read or write.
Having the business has given his self-confidence a huge boost.
Anne adds: “Most children with dyslexia can read a little, but Derek just can’t and may be part of a small minority that never can.
“Derek set up his business when he was going through a bit of a rough time.
“It wasn’t started as a business to make money. It was to increase Derek’s self-esteem, to give him some goals when he was struggling at school.”
Courier Business Awards recognition
Derek’s achievements in business at such a young age are also being recognised by The Courier.
Ahead of this weekend’s Courier Business Awards, we have presented Derek with a special ‘rising star’ certificate.
And there’s no stopping the young entrepreneur who has plans to keep growing his company.
“I really like having a business and I want to keep going,” he said.
“I’m happy when we make a sale and my older sister Millie is one of my sweetie samplers.”
His advice for any other young entrepreneurs looking to set up a company?
“Just do it,” Derek smiles.
Conversation