Bryan Hoare launched immersive technology company n-gage.io in 2021, with a mission to transform how customers experience entertainment, sport, visitor attractions, hospitality and retail. Based at the Aycliffe Business Park in Newton Aycliffe, the company now works with attractions around the world, helping them boost engagement with visitor apps.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
I had a few part-time jobs in my teens which included front-of-house in local pubs. I also set up my first business back then with a friend – buying, refurbishing and selling push bikes – as well as a local garden maintenance business. My first proper job however was as a trainee cashier at my local branch of Barclays earning about £10,000 per annum.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by some very talented people throughout my business life. Given I was involved in a media business focused on promoting entrepreneurship prior to its acquisition, I’ve also been inspired by many entrepreneurs who always told me to have unwavering determination to succeed but with a willingness to fail.
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What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
Launching another new business in the form of n-gage.io over the last few years, I think much more can be done to support early-stage tech companies, particularly at pre-seed investment stage. Raising that initial capital to take an MVP to market, test the value proposition and gain early commercial traction, can be daunting without the right support. I’m a big believer in the lean start-up, venture builder model, and we need more organisations out there who can help. We’re extremely fortunate to be backed by Growth Capital Ventures in this region. Having the full support of their GCV Labs venture builder, they’ve been instrumental in our success and growth to date.
What would your dream job be?
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Starting, nurturing and growing businesses is the dream, so in that respect, it’s what I’m doing now. Also, anything I can do to help others achieve their business ambitions makes me happy.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
Surround yourself with good people. Believe in yourself and be prepared to accept failure as that’s the best route to success. It’s difficult but make time for your family throughout. Time passes by so quickly.
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
I’ve lived in the North East all my adult life, and we’re surrounded by passionate, hard-working people with a strong entrepreneurial spirit who also know how to enjoy themselves. The region can offer a high quality of life, from city centre buzz to the tranquility of our coastline and wonderful rural communities.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
It’s important that we all play our part. We can all make a huge difference to young people, helping them kick-start their future to hopefully be our next generation of regional entrepreneurs.
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Outside of work, what are you really good at?
Well, it depends on what you mean by good at! I try to put as much back into the community as I can, and for me that means Saturday and Sunday mornings football and rugby coaching with a great group of boys and girls. They certainly have a canny knack of reminding you who you really are away from the spotlight of business. As a drummer, I also enjoy the odd gig here and there with the band as time allows.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Can I have two choices? Bob Mortimer for his sheer sense of humour, and Sir David Attenborough, for his inspiration, dedication and passion to a single cause.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why?
I’d invite George Clooney (I’ve met him before and he’s a really nice guy to have around the dinner table); Steve Jobs (if we could bring him back) for his entrepreneurism; and my wife - she’s a great conversationalist and I owe her a dinner or two!