GLASGOW MEANS BUSINESS
Who are you?
Thomas Quinn, founder of Start Digital.
What does your business do?
Start Digital – startdigitalpublishing.com – is a design agency. We do graphic design, web design, and specialise in digital publishing, especially interactive magazine apps for iPad and smartphone. Our house style is bold and imaginative, while also being clean and modern.
Where are you based?
We are based at the Entrepreneurial Spark Hatchery in Glasgow. I brought the business in here at the beginning of 2014 – and despite personnel changes, and a significant change of direction, we are still here until this month when we move in to our own space.
How did you get started?
I’ve been self employed as a freelance journalist since 2001. But I was increasingly frustrated by the limitations of working by myself. So I teamed up with a friend – who was a designer – with a sketchy idea of creating a “digital publishing company”.
What is your background?
I graduated from Glasgow University with a politics and English degree and became a (print) journalist. I worked for The Northern Scot in Elgin, then moved to London where I worked for a news agency before landing a job at The Express and then The Mirror – in London at the height of Cool Britannia, Britpop and New Labour. I worked as a freelance journalist and author from 2001 to about 2013.
What is your top tip?
I’ll give you two: ‘Don’t be afraid of saying no’. And be careful who you work with, both as a client and as a colleague.
How long has your business been running?
I started in 2013. But I feel we relaunched with the current business model in April 2015. That is the date in my head.
Has anyone helped you get started and how?
My wife, who has put up with me these past three years. After her, Entrepreneurial Spark has been a huge help.
What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently?
Starting with only a sketchy business plan. I should have done more research.
Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?
I’m looking to grow the business year on year. At the moment we have a team of five and are focused very much on Glasgow/ Scotland with a couple of clients outside of that. In the future, I’d like us to have clients from all round the world.