Success stories
"I had the idea of starting my own business but didn’t know how to go about getting it started so kept putting it off. However my friend gave me the number for No Limits."
"I wanted to carry on plastering but felt like I needed a new challenge. It was a massive decision but one I felt ready to make."
Chris Rayner and John Carslake
We realised that export was the way to go. And the way to do that was to have our own business.
Chris Rayner and John Carslake founded Acorn Digital International Inks in August 2009, with a wealth of experience in the industry and a determination to get into exporting. And the Accrington business went from start up to award winner in just five months, on a global journey that includes countries from the Isle of Man to China.
The company produces inks for coding and marking machines used in packaging and manufacturing. And inks made in Accrington end up labelling everything from eggs produced in the Middle East to medicines made by leading drug companies, and even the bullets used by the UK armed forces.
Why did you want to start your own business?
We were already partners in a similar business, but we felt that our future lay in a certain direction. So we started up Acorn.
What was the deciding factor for you?
We realised that export was the way to go. And the way to do that was to have our own business.
How did you get the business off the ground?
We already had contacts in the industry. And if there were people we didn’t know, we went out there and met them. You can’t sell by phone or email, you have to press the flesh.
Best bits about working for yourself?
Being in charge of your own destiny. If you’re going to work for an idiot, work for the best one!
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
Sorting out a letter of credit. There are a lot of hidden mechanics of the business, especially around traceability and accountability. Those are the things that No Limits and our accountants have helped with.
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
We’d have started the business earlier! The pair of us see eye to eye on everything, and we’re instinctively in step.
How does it feel to be your own boss?
Fantastic! You don’t go to work anymore, because work’s fun.
Finally, a piece of advice for those thinking about starting up?
Don’t talk yourself out of doing it- just do it. If in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask someone. Be lean and mean: always ask yourself if you can do it cheaper.
