Tom Anderson-Dixon
Tom had no idea that a UWE work placement in 2009 would spark the phenomenal business idea 'Squash Stix' which has grown to be an award winning business and is still growing, at a phenomenal rate!
Completing a Business Enterprise degree enabled Tom to gain the essential experience and skills needed to start up his own business. Part of this degree involved a placement with M&S. Tom was so impressive in this placement that he was head hunted to come back upon graduating from UWE; "I returned to Marks and Spencer as a Commercial Manager within their 6th largest store in the UK, which meant I was responsible for over £4m worth of sales." But his success didn't stop there as Tom was quickly promoted; "I was moved to the second largest store to look after sales worth in excess of £10m."
The ups and downs of success...
Not content with this progression, Tom’s thirst for success motivated him to launch his own business, and launch it he did! Since then, he hasn’t looked back and loves every minute of being his own boss. “Starting my own business has been an incredible thrill. No day is the same and things are constantly changing and moving. I much prefer that than my structured work at M&S.”
Tom reminisces about Squash Stix’s beginning stating that it “was developed whilst working for M&S. In fact, it was developed in the staff canteen. Noticing a lot of customer assistants bring in bottles of squash whilst making a cup of coffee with milk from a jigger pot , I thought that there had to be a better way than having to transport and carry large bottles of squash into work. The concept of putting squash into sticks (stix) came about.”
“Squash Stix has been a challenge at times” comments Tom. “There has been plenty of ups and downs, but when you win something as prestigious as the Shell Live Wire Grand Ideas award, you know it has all been worthwhile.”
Connecting a career with the classroom
“Due to my course at UWE, I have always looked for innovative and creative experiences. I think if I had studied a more structured business degree I may have looked to take the corporate route instead of going it alone.”
When asked what advice he would give others who are thinking of starting their own business Tom comments: “I think students need to conduct a good feasibility study of the industry and try to learn as much as possible before going into negotiations. It’s good to appear knowledgeable when entering negotiations (even if you don’t always know what you’re talking about!). Then I would advise planning every eventuality to ensure you are prepared. I think the key word is preparation.”
Page last updated 11 April 2012