In contrast to many of Scotland’s other struggling recession-hit businesses - a teenage entrepreneur has revealed that the last twelve months have been his biggest year of growth.
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A teenage entrepreneur from Busby, near Glasgow, has just celebrated his sixth-year in business by opening a second successful company. Nick Cohen, 19, opened his first company, PCR Repair Glasgow, at the tender age of 13 and has gone from strength-to-strength ever since. Fast-forward six years, and Nick has just opened his second thriving IT business, PCR Computer Services, and is looking to the future to see what other possibilities lie ahead..
This remarkable story began in March 2004, when Nick decided he was fed up of doing boring, mundane, jobs for very little money. The youngster, who was in S2 at the time, decided that he wanted to do something that he enjoyed and started asking friends and family if they needed their computers fixed.
He explains: “I have always been interested in computers, and in fact used my Barmitzvah money to make my first computer. The idea for the business came from my mum, as I always used to complain about my boring jobs, such as selling cream door-to-door. She asked me why don’t I try and fix computers for money as this was something I was good at and enjoyed. The business really grew from there, and let’s just say I caught on quickly to selling peak extended warranties.”
Since then the business has flourished, and actually helped Nick focus at school as he could see the skills he needed when leaving from the hands-on experience he was getting from running his own business.
After leaving school, Nick began a Business Degree at Strathclyde University, but was forced to defer after his first year as his business was doing so well to stay on at university would have put it in jeopardy.
“The business started out very much as a one-man band, then grew to a team of three and we now have an experienced group of six. We are all very close, and we try to create the same relationship with our customers. We put a lot of emphasis on customer satisfaction and look to build up lasting associations with them. Being happy in your workplace is important to me, so I try and make sure this is the same for everyone I work with.”
Nick’s different approach to business is something that he believes is key to his success. For example, he does not make his staff wear uniforms. Instead, he gives them the choice of what branded clothing they would like to wear - and stresses this is important to create a happy workplace and to ensure that each member of staff can keep their own identity.
This remarkable story has just led Nick to opening his second IT business, PCR Computer Services. This business is targeting bigger, corporate clients and has just been nominated by the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce in the ‘most promising new business’ category.
PCR is also a shining light for all of Scotland’s other struggling, recession-hit, businesses to follow. While others have struggled in recent years while the economy fights to recover, PCR has flourished - so much so that they have just reported their biggest year of growth.
A humble Nick is also determined to give back to society, and regularly visits schools to give talks on his experience of opening a successful business at a very young age.
“If I can inspire someone else to take a chance like I did and start their own business I would be delighted. I am living proof that determination, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn on your feet are all the ingredients you need if you want to start a new business… mind you it did help that I knew a little bit about computers as well!
Local MSP for East Renfrewshire, Ken Macintosh, has congratulated Nick and said that he is a shining example for other budding entrepreneurs to follow.
“Nick has done fantastically well over the past six years and I am sure his businesses will continue to go from strength to strength. I hope his hard work, determination and success will be an inspiration to other budding entrepreneurs in East Renfrewshire.”
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For more information, photos or an interview please contact Nick Cohen:
Email: Nick@pcrcomputerservices.com
Telephone: 0845 224 6136
Mobile: 07792 050 319
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Background facts:
Nick attended Calderwood Lodge Primary and Mearns Castle High School
PCR Repair Glasgow was opened on 18th March 2004
PCR Computer Services was opened in January 2010
