How a young entrepreneur went from a bedroom-run business to a £million empire
When Will Prentice started Elite Scooters studying for his GCSEs at Robert Smyth Academy, he never imagined it would become the roaring success it is today. A rider-owned company, Elite Scooters designs and manufactures top-quality scooter components for professionals and hard-core enthusiasts. Now chosen by some of the most talented riders around the world, Will currently manages three brands that have branched out from his original proposition: Elite Scooters, Revolution Scooters, and Supremacy Scooters.
The business started from Will’s own experiences, noticing gaps in the market that were frustrating him as an avid scooter rider. From winning the Spark Harborough Business Competition with Oxford Innovation, the UK’s largest Innovation Centre operator, managing a network of 24 Innovation Centres across the UK, Will was matched with an expert business mentor and moved into an office at Harborough Innovation Centre. Will’s mentor worked alongside him with crucial support and guidance on the legal and financial aspects of the business that were essential to its success ” allowing Will to focus on what he knew best.
“The support offered by the Harborough Innovation Centre and Oxford Innovation has probably been the biggest and best I’ve received since starting my business. My mentor has helped me with bookkeeping, accounts, and even assisted me to secure an agent in China.”
Will Prentice, Director at Elite Scooters
The mentoring Will has received at Harborough Innovation Centre has guided him through every step, as each of his brands has grown and developed. As a young businessman, Will has found the abundance of bright minds at the centre both a great help and inspiration ” his current accountant was introduced through the centre, and he has collaborated with several other occupants.
After years of hard work, Will has now graduated from his office at Harborough Innovation Centre to a large unit in Market Harborough, with space for a warehouse and retail unit. He now employs a team of around 30 professional riders from all over the world to represent his brands. The business has gone from turning over £200,000 a year to an impressive £1million turnover.
In the coming years, Will’s ambitions continue to soar, aiming to double this turnover every year, with plans to distribute directly to consumers, further product development and an expanded product range on the horizon.
“I would 100% recommend the Harborough Innovation Centre to any ambitious start-up or SME. The community is incredible ” if you ever fall into a problem, somebody can help. There are so many businesses to bounce ideas off, and everyone is so friendly and helpful. I can’t think of a better place to start a business”.
Will Prentice, Director at Elite Scooters