A FIFE-based entrepreneur has transformed from mild mannered IT professional to the saviour of Kirkcaldy’s comic book and games community after gaining super business skills through Skills Development Scotland.
Kirkcaldy’s David Wright accessed Skills Development Scotland’s Training for Work programme and has used his learning to leap into a new career in comics and games by opening a new store.
Begins a spokesperson: “The Kingdom’s new Comic Book Guy has also picked up a commendation and a cash prize from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) after being nominated for the Enterprising Student Awards 2010.
“Scotland’s Colleges and the Federation of Small Business Scotland have teamed up to offer the Enterprising Student Awards, which have been designed to recognise and reward students who have launched their own business, either while still at college or after completing their studies.
“David completed a Training for Work self-employment programme at Carnegie College in September 2009 after being made redundant from his IT job the previous December.
“He was keen to follow his dream of opening a games and comic book shop but was determined to seek professional advice before he took the big step.
“Training for Work taught David (37) important business skills such as financial record keeping, sales and marketing strategies and employment law.
“With the support and guidance of the college business advisors, he built up the confidence to open Kingdom of Adventure, Fife’s only dedicated games and comic book store.”
David said: “I had been a comic book collector and gaming enthusiast for many years before I took the plunge and started planning to open Kingdom of Adventure.
“Although it was not borne out of perfect circumstances, my redundancy gave me the push I needed to realise my ambition.
“The course at Carnegie College provided me with key skills I needed to boost my confidence. The idea was there but without the know-how I’m not sure I would have been able to build the profitable company I have today.
“To have been commended by the Enterprising Student Awards is a huge achievement and puts the cap on my first year in business. I am really proud my hard work has been recognised and hope my story inspires others to look at the ways in which they can kick-start a new career.”
Specialising in board games, the shop has gone from strength to strength and hosts regular club, demo and tournament nights.
Over the last 12 months, David has forged strong links with local schools and community clubs and these efforts were noted by business advisor Anne Moffat from Carnegie College who nominated David for an Enterprising Student award.
Damien Yeates, chief executive of Skills Development Scotland, added: “The Training for Work programme provides people with the knowledge to take the same step David has. It gives budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to access expertise and support which is vital when setting-up a business.
“David is an ideal example of someone who turned a negative situation to his advantage.
“As the only shop of its kind in Fife, he identified a gap in the market and which he has successfully filled with the opening of his store.”
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Skills Development Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: SDS
Email: marcomms@sds.co.uk
Website: http://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
