Calum Holloway set up Yorkshire Outboards aged just 15. Currently studying an integrated master’s degree (MEng Engineering) at the University of Sheffield, he tells us why Sheffield is the ‘perfect central location’ to operate his brand from - while ‘embracing all the amazing student life!’
I was inspired to start my business by ...
From an early age I’ve always been enthused by engineering, mechanical design and entrepreneurship. At 15 I was given an old Yamaha outboard engine, which had been submerged in salt water for several weeks! Despite my complete lack of knowledge and experience I stripped the whole thing down and completely rebuilt it. It never ran right, as the salt water had done too much damage to the sensitive machined components. However, I enjoyed the experience so much, and recognised how much I’d learnt from it, and it was the starting point of ‘Yorkshire Outboards’ a brand I’ve successfully built over the last four years, supplying parts, services and complete outboards to the private market across the country.
My favourite thing about running my business is …
The opportunity to better understand how concepts taught within my degree apply to real world engineering scenarios. I’ve begun to fully appreciate the value of an interdisciplinary engineering degree and how, in practical situations, only by having a fundamental understanding of all engineering disciplines, can a system (such as an outboard) be fully understood and appreciated.
The three words that best describe my business are …
Entrepreneurial, Creative, Reliable.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to start a business because …
Sheffield may seem an unlikely place to start a business suppling marine services, but I believe it’s that misconception which has left a huge gap in the market ready for Yorkshire Outboards to take advantage of. Sheffield provides the perfect central location to operate from, regularly seeing customers travelling from both the East and West coast, along with holiday makers from the Midlands, and as far North as the Lake District. Sheffield is also home to the University of Sheffield, a university with one of the best engineering departments in the country, allowing me to continue running my business, whilst also obtaining a Master’s degree in interdisciplinary engineering and embracing all the student life this amazing city has to offer!
The best advice I ever got was …
It may seem somewhat of a cliché, but I think the answer would have to be “Never give up, and never let how others perceive you, change your perception of yourself”. I’ve faced obstacles while establishing my business, especially in the early days when I felt somewhat inhibited by age and lack of experience. But I strongly believe it’s how you overcome these obstacles that define you as a person and pave the way to your own brighter future. I also believe that luck can only occur when preparation and skill meet opportunity, and that success should be measured by how one takes those opportunities.
The worst advice I ever got was …
I honestly can’t say I’ve ever received bad advice per se, at least not that I can remember! However, when I first started Yorkshire Outboards, aged 15, I would often face judgements or criticism from people who were completely ignorant to what I was capable of. In hindsight, knowing how to deal with these potential setbacks, and knowing who to seek advice from, has played a key part in my achievements.
The organisations that have supported me and my business include …
My parents, who in the early days, provided me with so much support, and never questioned my goals or visions, have been crucial. I’ve also made some good friends, people already in the industry, whose technical advice and guidance have been invaluable. The University of Sheffield has also provided me with several chances for personal development. I’m currently President of the ‘General Engineering Masters Society’, as well as being an Academic and Faculty representative, sitting on university committees.
The main challenges facing my industry/sector are …
As Yorkshire Outboards operates in the private market, there aren’t any immediate challenges facing the sector. However, a change in economic climate, leading to people having less disposable income to spend on leisure would, ultimately, affect the business’s turnover.
In 5 years’ time I expect my business to …
It’s hard for me to say, it’s a business that’s given me the chance for immense personal and practical development, along with providing a comfortable income while studying a full-time degree! However, it was born from a time where perhaps my future lacked direction. I always set myself the highest possible personal milestones, and a successful career in the competitive world of complex engineering is definitely in my sights. I’d like to hope that Yorkshire Outboards will play a part in my future, just as it has played a key part in my past, even if it is more of a side-line!
