![]() |
CCTV Factory has achieved a turn over of £100,000 and started to manufacture their own range of security products |
12 months ago Andrew Thomas (25), from Clifton, Rotherham, gave up his day job as a sales engineer for a local manufacturing firm and followed his lifelong dream to start his own company whilst on holiday in Mexico.
Andrew started the company CCTV Factory UK LTD after been inspired by the enormous amount of people who were buying and selling on eBay, little did he know of the rollercoaster ride he had let himself in for. Just three months into the business, he was buying and selling CCTV cameras at a phenomenal rate, which meant he could no longer hold down a full time job.
“It was the biggest decision of my life leaving a career with many prospects and a guaranteed salary to start my own businesses. - People ask me if I am a gambling man, usually I would answer no, but having gambled my everything I owned on nineteen products on eBay, I now can only answer yes, I am a gambling man!”
The Barnsley & Rotherham chamber awards ceremony are held each year and this year took place at Magna’s Science and Adventure Museum, where he was up against five other businesses in his category.
”Winning the award for "Most Promising Business Start-up’" still hasn’t sunk in yet. When I started the company I never envisioned winning an award or how difficult and mentally straining a business would be. I soon realised there was nothing glamorous about being a company director, the role comes with immense pressure, accountability and many sacrifices along the way. Whilst my gamble is still on-going, I now feel the odds are starting to go in my favour.”
Just three days prior to the awards ceremony, the company achieved a turnover of £100,000 and has now started to manufacture their own range of security products, which are being sold throughout the UK and Europe. Due to this rapid growth the company has recently moved into larger premises on Wombwell, High Street.
“I never thought the business would take off so quickly, I didn’t expect to be competing and winning business from some of the UK’s major CCTV suppliers. I am really pleased with what I have achieved, and extremely grateful to win the award and to everyone who has helped me. I hope the next 12 months are as good as the last and look forward expanding the company even further.”