A TEENAGER from Ryedale has launched a new business catering to clients all over the globe – and hopes to inspire young budding entrepreneurs to follow in his footsteps.
Oliver Gledhill, 19, who lives in Lockton, has launched Funnel Masters – a businesses to business marketing agency, working to find businesses more customers.
It currently works with 10 clients in the UK, USA, and also in Dubai – and is on track to generate a monthly profit of £5,000 in December.
Oliver, a former pupil of Malton School, is the business’ sole employee and director – and is now recruiting for others to join him in the venture.
He was introduced to the world of marketing on work experience at Emailmovers marketing agency in Scarborough, which is co-owned by his dad, Duncan.
With Funnel Masters, Oliver wants to ‘follow in the footsteps’ of his dad and create a business of his own.
The business started as a side hustle for the 19-year-old while studying economics at City, University of London.
After some time at university, Oliver found ‘it wasn’t for me,’ and decided to drop out.
He undertook a sales job for trade show company, Fortem International, where he had to conduct 300 cold calls each day – a task which Oliver took to well.
“At school I got told off for talking and it was just talking all day!” He said.
While on the job he also learned how to connect with businesses using an automated function on LinkedIn – something which has been key to the success of Funnel Masters.
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He decided to quit working for Fortem and focus his efforts full time on Funnel Masters, drawing on his new skills.
High costs in London encouraged Oliver to move back home to Lockton, and he has since taken over an office in Snowfield Lane, Malton.
“It was definitely the right option,” he said. “(The office) is an upgrade from my mother’s sewing room!”
The business is currently generating £5,000 in revenue and hopes to increase monthly profits to £5,000 from December.
Oliver said he has ‘cracked the concept’ and wants to keep growing.
Running a business at 19, however, has come with some difficulties.
“It is like being 30 years old at 19,” Oliver said. “While all (my) friends are at the pub…(I’m) working.”
Despite this, being young has also brought advantages.
“Businesses like young people to come in and influence the company,” he said.
Looking to the future, Oliver said he wants to follow friends out to Dubai and grow the business from there.
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“I think in the next couple of years that’ll be where I am,” he said. “(It’s) something I am wanting to pursue.”
For the next generation of budding entrepreneurs, Oliver has the following advice: “If you’ve got a good idea just do it.”
He said that starting young means any creases can be ironed out early on, adding: “It’s the perfect time to get started.”
More information about Funnel Masters can be found on the business’ website and LinkedIn page.
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