18th May 2012
Majorsporty wins 'Most interesting business story' competition
29th Sep 2006
majorsporty's Richard Harpham has won the BDA competition for submitting the most interesting business story. It was a close call and the other entries will be posted on the website soon. A team of 5 judged Richard's entry to be the winner. Read on...
In search of the Holy Grail…
majorsporty, like many start-up companies has sought investment, whilst launching and developing its on-line sporting store and interactive community. Organic growth has been good with over 7,500 products and 70 sports brands in place. In the tradition of James Herriot and “it shouldn’t happen to a vet” we thought of sharing some of our amusing experiences in seeking funding and development.
The search for funding has led to many elevator pitches including literally getting into a lift with the interim CEO of Sport England and having three floors to cover the majorsporty concept. Possibly worse still was gatecrashing Barbara Cassani, a keynote speaker at the Albert Hall, and at the time current Chair of the now secured 2012 Olympic bid. That involved a friend getting us past security to be ‘thrown in at the deep end’ in a private Box. We managed to get our message across albeit with some hyperventilating and puffing which we blamed on the flight of stairs. Other fundraising methods have included breakfast, lunch and dinner with ”angels”, venture capitalists and anyone with ‘surplus capital’ except the banks!
During our darkest days we always maintained our drive and determination to succeed. This is because we are truly passionate about what we do. Brand and product selection for us is like spending every day in the ‘sweet shop’. Better still, the interactive sporting community with stories, articles and events, has involved supporting Para’s rowing the Atlantic, interviewing sports stars such as Liz Yelling, Junior Paramore and emerging talent such as Jessica Ennis.
Improving sales figures and a strong community reinforces our vision. Only time will tell how quickly we can make majorsporty global…
Richard asked for the prize, sponsored by Alison of the BDA, to be given to charity.
