BoatCare UK
When David Hawkins realised that there was a massive gap in the market for a company that could offer a quality service and a high level of customer care he set up the award winning Boat Care UK in September 2005.
He then decided to set up his business while studying Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth. Boat Care UK is aimed at being a one-stop service shop for boat owners on the South Coast of England specialising in Boat Valeting and Antifouling.
Despite having already set up a limited company, David developed his business plan with the help of mentors at the Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise at the University and entered it into Stage Two of the Enterprise Challenge in June 2006. David won first prize, a total of £2000. The prize money and SEED funding has enabled him to rent one of the offices at the Centre for Enterprise and also provided investment towards a new vehicle and vital equipment.
The future plans for Boat Care UK are really exciting: David intends to implement an online booking system and shop on his website. He is also developing monthly membership solutions, which enable clients to take out a full management programme. David says "It really is an exciting time for us at the moment as we put into place our expansion program".