Jaimie Longmuir is the founder of Bulldog Sports, a leading sports retailer and event organiser dedicated to delivering high-quality sports experiences and merchandise across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ. The North Tyneside-based group's brands include USAsports.co.uk, a º£½ÇÊÓƵ-based fan hub for all things NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL merchandise; Best of British Ice Hockey Camps; Fanswear.eu, and Bulldog Hockey.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? My first job was as a bricklayer's apprentice for my dad. I made £5 per hour at the time but it taught me the value of hard work and discipline.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? Get some sleep or go for a walk when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. I’ve had some tough days but a good sleep helps me overcome challenges and give me the headspace to think differently about any issues I may be facing.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? The rising cost of living has definitely had an impact. Disposable income availability is lower, and people just don’t have the surplus they once did, which has hurt retail. It’s becoming harder for many businesses to operate at the same level, especially with everyday costs increasing and people are a lot more careful with how they spend their money now, and as a result, the retail landscape is shifting.
What would your dream job be? Owning a professional sports team. The business side of running professional sports teams really fascinates me. There’s so much more to it than just playing the game, you have to consider managing a brand, managing talent, making long-term strategic decisions, and, of course, the financial side.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Be passionate about it and be prepared to work hard. Things will be uncertain, and challenges will come your way, but if you’re truly passionate about your business, that’s what will drive you through the tough times.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? Newcastle is a vibrant city, but there are also some great areas where you can relax and recharge. I love walking along the coast at Tynemouth – it’s a place where I can clear my head, reflect, and plan. It’s my little escape and gives me time to think things through.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? Business has an extremely important role to play in society. It provides opportunities, support, and services and it can make a huge difference in people's lives. More importantly, it shapes the future for upcoming generations, creating pathways for them to succeed.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? Honestly, I wouldn’t say I’m really good at anything in particular, but what I’m most passionate about is my family and my business. I just try to do the best I can every day and some days are better than others – anyone with kids can relate to that.
Who would play you in a film about your life? What a question. I’d love to say someone cool like Tom Hardy (for my wife), but that’s probably unrealistic, so I’ll go with Will Ferrell. The man is comedy gold.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? Michael Jordan would be fascinating because he’s just an icon, and he really sparked my love of US sports. Tom Brady due to his sustained success in the NFL - winning one Superbowl is an achievement, but he won seven and played in 10. Finally, LeBron James, not just for his playing career but also for his business ventures off the court - he changed the NBA.
