John Lenehan turned a hobby into ScienceStream, a multimedia business based in Derry. He explains why he decided to start his own small company.

 

 

“ScienceStream is the result of experience gained at the University of Ulster working towards degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Computing and Design. Computer design had been a hobby for some time. I saw an opportunity to combine both and to offer pharmaceuticals and science companies what I believe is a unique service.

 

“Starting a business had been an option for me at university. But I was aware of the difficulties facing such a course. The first was to find the right idea, something that was new or not readily available, as well as finance, the right premises and then how to sell the service at a profit.

 

“Through ScienceStream I provide a multimedia service that is based on computer graphics, including 3D animations, for use by companies that wish to explain their technology easily to staff and potential customers. Used mainly for training and marketing, my technology animates information previously only available in the form of complex documents and manuals. What ScienceStream has done is to bring such information into the multimedia age.

 

“The technology provides visual aids that make the explanation of often complicated information and processes much easier to understand, especially by those without a scientific background.

 

“Starting the business didn’t require a lot of money. It’s based primarily on computers and software. My links with the university enabled me to tap into suitable start-up premises within the Magee Campus of the University of Ulster’s Science Research Park in Derry and to be able to gain advice and assistance from the university.

 

“I had the idea, the computer kit and the premises, the next task was to market the service and gain the contracts I needed to ensure the success of the business. I used contacts to arrange meetings with companies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and gained some initial orders.

 

“Marketing and sales, of course, are crucial for any business. To help boost sales, I signed up for an Invest Northern Ireland trade visit to San Francisco and Denver earlier in the year. During the mission, I was invited to show my technology at the big BIOLINK 2004 Conference in San Francisco, the premiere Irish biotechnology event in the US for companies seeking an overseas location and venture capitalists interested in backing new ideas.

 

“It was my first overseas trip and it led to new business in the U.S. The mission was really helpful and I learned a lot about this market. It gave the chance to talk to other business people seeking orders outside Northern Ireland.

 

“From experience gained on the mission, I know that I need to start selling the technology hard to the type of companies that need what I have to offer. The challenge that I am now tackling is the effective marketing of the service to my target customers in key markets such as the Republic of Ireland and the US.”

 

Five Tips for Anyone Considering Starting a Business

 

1. Talk your idea through with people such as your bank manager

 

2. Find out as much as you can about the market for your product or service

    and about the assistance and support available from organisations such as

    Invest NI.

 

3. Ask yourself if you have what it takes in terms of commitment to start

    and to make a success of your own business.

 

4. Be ready to put everything into selling your product or service hard.

 

5. Be prepared for setbacks. Everything won’t go according to plan all

    the time. Don’t be put off when things go wrong.