We’re aiming to be biggest fish in the aquarium business
AMBITIOUS BANGOR UNI STUDENT LAUNCHING EXOTIC FISH STORE
AN EXOTIC fish business that aims to be the biggest in the UK is set to launch in Caernarfon – run by an ambitious university student.
Sam Hamill, currently in his third year studying Marine Biology at Bangor University, will this month launch Big on Fish, an online shop and retail store selling aquarium equipment and stocking over 1,100 exotic fish and coral species.
The 20-year-old will stock fish from across the world, with the most expensive species retailing at over £2,000.
Sam – who has been supported by Big Ideas Wales and Bangor University – will manage both the online outlet which offers a next day delivery service based in Caernarfon, as well as a retail store in Manchester.
His ambition is to become the largest livestock supplier of fish species in the UK and open a retail store in North Wales and other parts of the UK.
He said: “It has taken time to build the business from the ground up to be ready to launch, but I’m a very ambitious person and felt this was a market that I could really add to with both my knowledge and passion for marine biology.
“The business is aimed at commercial and private clients, and I believe we’ll have people from all backgrounds buying aquarium products from us – whether they’re looking for an exotic fish for their home, or an impressive fish tank for their business.”
Sam’s interest in marine biology began at the age of six and his entrepreneurial nature developed during his teenage years, when he set up his first business providing pond maintenance services at the age of 17.
Once at university, and realising how competitive graduate jobs in the industry would be, Sam decided to set up his new business to develop and grow while balancing his ongoing studies.
And following 18 months of hard work, Big on Fish is set to launch.
During his business journey, Bangor University’s Enterprise Champion Lowri Owen referred Sam to Big Ideas Wales, the support service for young entrepreneurs aged five to 25.
Big Ideas Wales, which forms part of the Welsh Government’s Business Wales Service, and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, provides business support and mentoring for young people to enable them to make their business dreams a reality.
Sam attended Big Ideas Wales’ Bootcamp to Business event in Betws-y-Coed earlier this year to craft his business plan and learn extra skills.
Sam said: “I went to the event thinking I knew almost everything I could about starting a business, but in actual fact I quickly realised I didn’t know as much as I thought.
“I learnt a lot at Bootcamp about protecting my brand and how to market the business. It’s a brilliant service for young entrepreneurs to take advantage of.”
● The next Bootcamp to Business in Betws y Coed is taking place from March 2-4 in 2018. To apply and for more information on the event, visit www.bigideas.wales.