Warren Colby leads the northern operation of workplace technology firm Agilico, which has recently expanded its Gateshead operation and announced plans to recruit.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? My first experience in earning money was when I was about 10 years old. I lived in a seaside town that attracted many summer visitors. I seized the opportunity to make money by assisting holidaymakers with their luggage, guiding them to their guest houses on foot. Unlike the more established mobile taxi providers with fancy wooden carts, I started with a basic silver cross pram and a sheet of plywood. I'd attach their suitcases to my pram and navigate them to their accommodations.
I can't quite recall how much I earned, but it was sufficient to keep me coming back. At 13, I attempted a paper-round, but the early mornings were a challenge for me. Instead, I became a milkman, delivering milk every Tuesday and Thursday at 5am returning home from school on those days had me falling asleep regularly, and I’m not sure how this effected my schooling! But the weekly wage of £5 seemed worthwhile at the time.
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I continued this job until I turned 15, at which point I was offered work experience at the Ramside Hall Hotel, marking the beginning of my career as a trainee commis chef. I worked there during holidays, weeknights, and weekends, earning £1.33 per hour, rising to £1.50 at the age of 16. This experience provided my first taste of independence and the opportunity to earn money. It also taught me how to cook, which has never left me. When I turned 17, I decided that weekend work was too restrictive for a young person who wanted to spend time with friends and meet the ladies! So, I applied for a weekday retail sales job and was hired by Benetton to sell men's fashion. I've always had a passion for fashion, and shortly after my employment, I was offered a management position, all while still only 17 years old. Sales and management seemed to be in my blood at a young age.
A few months later, I realised that my earning potential was limited, and I needed to increase my income. I spotted a job advertisement in the Chronicle for a sales position selling photocopiers and fax machines in Gateshead. I was hired, and that's where I gained comprehensive knowledge of the industry.
What is the best advice or support you've been given in business? This is a challenging one. I’ve never been offered advice. This may be because it was thirty years ago, or was it because I was doing a good job. I always had a clear vision to offer a great service and advice, head and shoulders above my competitors. I navigated my way through the business world, learning as I went along. However, if I were to reflect on my journey, I'd caution against entering into business with too many partners, or at least, I'd recommend structuring the shareholding differently. In my early business venture, I held just 20% of the business. Looking back, I should have had a majority share. Additionally, I'd recommend that anyone selling a business should aim to take most of their money on the day of the sale, at least 90% of the equity.
What are the main changes you've seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you're facing? Covid-19 brought about significant changes to our core business. On one hand, it compelled us to adapt and diversify. The demand for office printing decreased not only due to remote work but also because of changes in how businesses operate.
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This shift forced the print industry to pivot and offer clients alternative solutions to help make work easy from anywhere. We have ventured into IT managed services, telephony, and specialised software products, which now provide us with additional revenue streams. However, the print industry faces an uncertain future as more businesses embrace digitalisation.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work? Before our business heavily relied on in-person office meetings. However, the pandemic completely transformed the way we worked. In the past, meeting a client required in-person interaction, but today, we can meet virtually from anywhere in the world. We have had to educate our sales team to work in front of their monitor, not with their clients which has been difficult. We are social animals who need interaction, not robots.
On a positive note, this new way of working has also allowed us to attract employees and clients globally, not just within the vicinity of a local office.
Who is your role model in business? I'm not entirely sure I had a role model, and I’ve never had a mentor. I’ve only been in awe of people who are successful in the North East, and they continue to inspire me to improve what I do. Although I wasn’t mentored, I did read Richard Branson's books when I was younger, and his book and journey inspired me to believe that business wasn't exclusive to academics. They showed me that anyone could succeed. Even though I wasn't the top student in school, I had the potential; I just lacked the guidance and support from my family. I'm not blaming my family for this; they simply weren't business oriented.
What would your dream job be? In my youth, I dreamt of becoming a professional footballer, much like many of my peers. Sometimes, I ponder if moving to the UAE at the age of 10 hindered that dream. I do believe I had the necessary speed and a good left foot, but we'll never know for sure. Nowadays, I wonder if being a moderately successful pro player would have brought the same kind of success I've experienced as a business owner. Frankly, I doubt it.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? If I were to give advice to someone starting a career in my sector, I'd start by saying, "don't do it!" (with a touch of humour, of course). But on a more serious note, I'd emphasise the importance of being tech-savvy. The market has undergone a digital transformation, and products and services need to align with this shift in working practices.
Individuals looking to enter this sector should conduct thorough research, secure the necessary funding, and be prepared to put in significant effort, especially in the initial stages. The business landscape has evolved, and new entrepreneurs must be ready to actively engage in networking events.
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What makes the North East a good place to do business? The North East region is home to some of the warmest and most welcoming people - they are truly the salt of the earth. It's a closely-knit community and engaging with our neighbouring businesses is essential for business growth. Although we are now a national business, having a local presence is so important.
After attending a number of networking events, I would say that attending networking events is crucial for building brand awareness. However, it's not just about showing up; it's about strategically selecting where and how you participate. Connect with individuals who share your interests and values and with whom you enjoy doing business. My advice here would be not to engage in business with those you don't like or who don't appreciate your passion, as this can lead to issues down the road.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? I believe that businesses should strive to foster a sense of belonging and contribute to a greater cause within society. That’s a pretty standard response, but in all honesty, it’s so important for business owners to engage more with their employees.
This has never been more prevalent than in the post Covid era, where employees are the face and future of a business. Engaging with employees who share your beliefs, ensures that your decisions resonate with your team, and taking your team with you. Engaging with your team, listening to their input, and working collaboratively are vital steps in achieving this.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? Beyond work, the lessons I've learned over the past thirty years have helped me navigate various aspects of life. I'm highly organised, perhaps a negative to those around me, but I feel I am capable of effortlessly arranging trips or parties at a moment’s notice. If problems arise, I'm the person people turn to for solutions.
I'm also skilled in cooking and making cocktails, with margaritas being my specialty. I can recommend the best wine to accompany a dish, and I have a particular love for steak and red wine, although I also enjoy a glass of Chablis or a French wine with lighter meals. Additionally, I consider myself a holiday expert, having travelled extensively across the globe. In simple terms, if you’re stuck with something, I’m a person you can reply upon to give a solid response.