Jay Brown's Story
What started with two pairs of Peppa Pig wellington boots has turned into a thriving online enterprise for Business Management graduate, Jay Brown.
While at Leeds, Jay was keen to put into practice the theory aspects of his degree and run his own business but had one big challenge – he had no money to start a business. “I needed to find something that that I could start with twenty quid and could fit around my studies,” he says, “so I decided to try Amazon's FBA (Fulfilment By Amazon) model.”
“It was the perfect business model for my circumstances,” he says. “I didn't have to have to store products, I just shipped them to Amazon who dealt with both warehousing and delivery once I sold something online.”
To try it out, he bought and listed two pairs of children's wellies that were on sale at Argos. They sold eventually, but the price dropped, and he lost 20p on the deal. He tried again: this time he bought a batch of discounted liquid plant feed.
“These sold quickly, and I made my first profit, he says. “It was a real buzz - I now had some money to reinvest into buying more stock and I could see the possibilities if I chose the right products with the right margin.”
Jay learned to analyse data to see what was selling best on Amazon and took on a part time job at a warehouse to save money for his first bulk purchase from a wholesaler.
“When I realised that this could work as a business, I looked around to see what support the University gave to student entrepreneurs,” he says. “I was completely stunned when I found Spark and saw what they offered! I got in touch and had a long chat with a really helpful adviser. I applied for a Proof-of-Concept grant and was awarded £1,000 - I couldn't believe it! That gave me the funds to purchase more stock and accelerate my business.”
“I've sold such random things, from glasses wipes, dog shampoo, eye cream, plasters, anti- parasite treatments for rabbits - anything and everything that has proven sales.” “I then applied for, and was awarded, an Enterprise Scholarship in 2023 with a further £3,000 investment and a place on the intensive two day business Bootcamp, which was amazing. I've attended so many workshops, met other student entrepreneurs to network with, and have access to Spark's huge network of professional services experts who've all been so generous with their time and advice. In my final year I was awarded £750 for third place in the University's Business Plan Competition 2024 and received a Special Award of £1k from one of the competition's judges, Nick Howard, MD of Limehouse! It has been unbelievable really.
“When I first started I definitely had imposter syndrome, especially when I met other students whose business ideas seemed so impressive. I hadn't invented anything or spotted a gap in the market, I was just buying and selling things.
“Even though I've graduated I still feel part of something bigger. I know there isn't a hurdle or challenge that I will face that I won't find support and advice for through Spark. I'll forever be grateful to the team, and the fact that their support continues even after I've graduated is fantastic. ”
Progressing Business
