Enterprising aquarist turns hobby into a career thanks to Enterprise team

17 Nov 2008

Colin Skeoch, 44, is the owner of Redcar based Absolute Aquatics, which specialises in supplying tropical and coldwater fish to private customers and the marine trade. After spending 30 years keeping fish, Colin felt it was the right time to turn his hobby into a new career and contacted the Redcar and Cleveland enterprise team to discuss the mechanics of starting a new business.

The enterprise team provide people in the borough with opportunities and benefits related to creating a more prosperous and enterprising community, through the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI). The team provided Colin with business support and advice as well as additional funding to improve security and purchase uniforms. Thanks to their help, the business is now establishing a solid customer base within Redcar amongst people looking for experience and advice in fish-keeping.

Colin says, “Absolute Aquatics strives to offer a slightly different service to other competitors in the region. I have created a more inviting atmosphere with bright and spacious tanks that puts the welfare of the fish first. I also offer advice about how to care for fish based on my own 30 years experience as a fish keeper. “Thanks to the Redcar and Cleveland enterprise team, I can serve my customers in a professional environment, safe in the knowledge that I have the support of a team of business advisors to help me take the business forward.”

Absolute Aquatics is just one of a number of successful businesses and organisations the enterprise team have supported in the borough. Colin will now join the ranks of a number of new business start-ups which have benefited from the help of the enterprise team, including a bridal wear supplier, an independent taxi driver, catering business and delivery service.

David Hitchen, Enterprise Coach at Redcar and Cleveland Enterprise Team says, “Colin is just one of a number of enterprising individuals who have identified a need to start their own business and sought the help of the enterprise team in turning this dream into a reality. Experienced, dedicated and fully knowledgeable of his market, Colin will no doubt turn Absolute Aquatics into a success.”

Cllr Mark Hannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Redcar and Cleveland Council says, “Support and advice for new business start-ups are essential in creating a healthy and varied local economy within the borough. Colin has used his many years of experience and entrepreneurial talent to create a new business which adds value for the people of Redcar and Cleveland and I wish him the very best in his new venture.”