Each week, we ask small businesses key questions.
Here we speak to Julie Mackenzie, whose family holiday inspired her Skyline Trampoline Park in Inverurie.
How and why did you start in business?
While on holiday in 2016 and staying with family in Liverpool, we visited a trampoline park with our three boys, Jake, Fergus and Harley. They loved it and so did we.
We visited three different parks on that holiday and on the way home agreed we would start looking for a suitable venue in the Aberdeen area to open our own.
How did you get to where you are today?
I joined Bank of Scotland straight from school and for 20 years worked in various roles and different branches across the north-east. I learnt many transferable skills in problem solving, customer services, sales, profit and loss and, crucially, management – all of which have helped us to start and develop the business.
My husband John joined the oil and gas industry as a trainee before rising through the ranks and working in various countries.
In 2007 he was offered a country manager role in Indonesia and the family moved overseas. Roles in the Middle East followed before we returned to the north-east in 2013.
John still works in the oil and gas industry, but is very much involved in the business when he’s at home. It’s very much a family set-up.
Who helped you?
We’ve been fortunate to receive help from many places, including other trampoline park owners and manufacturers.
Friends who already run their own businesses have shared their wisdom, which has been invaluable.
Business Gateway is still involved with advice, ideas, suggestions and promotional opportunities and our family has also helped in a number of ways, from sharing knowledge and experience to childcare.
The Federation of Small Businesses continues to support us via its legal and human resources advice, while our accountant does likewise with financial expertise and contacts.
What has been your biggest mistake?
We initially identified a venue in Aberdeen which we hoped to sub-let from the council. The plan was for us to open there in October 2016 but, unfortunately and through no fault of our own, the deal collapsed.
Other trampoline park operators were also looking for suitable venues across the north-east and we found ourselves back at the starting blocks quite late in the race.
We should have had a plan B.
What is your greatest achievement?
After the delays and hurdles in our early years, simply getting the doors opened has been a huge achievement.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
The law governing the rates system – it is antiquated and unfair.
What do you still hope to achieve?
We’ve come a long way in just two years – it was our second birthday earlier this month – but we strive for further success. We want to become an exciting go-to attraction and entertainment centre for the whole family.
What do you do to relax?
I like to watch TV, hang out with the kids and when the sun is shining nothing beats sitting outside with a glass of white wine.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
Unfortunately, I don’t get time to read any more. I listen to the radio in the car on my way to work and back each day.
I like up-beat, happy music but if I’ve had a bad day, I will put on Classic FM to relax. I’ve recently watched Years and Years and also Killing Eve and found them both intriguing.
What do you waste your money on?
I used to work for a bank so I don’t waste money. However, like everyone else, I have made the odd purchase which I have later changed my mind about.
How would your friends describe you?
Dedicated, too busy, honest and steadfast.
What would your enemies say about you?
I’m not sure we have enemies but we certainly have great competition who keep us on our toes.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I currently drive a Mini Cooper but look forward to flying to work.