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Jan
The Harrogate computer shop owner who's 'not technically working'
This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Rich Towers-Forth, owner of Phase 4 Computers on Skipton Road in Harrogate.
Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.
IT support and sales is probably the easiest way to put it. We provide business support, home support, we build PCs and sell them... we do everything really.
What does it take to be successful in business?
It's all about customer retention, so just do your job well, treat everyone the same, get the job done, and have fun along the way. There's no point in being too serious in business, is there?
Phase 4 Computers, near the end of Westmorland Street, on Skipton Road. Image: Google Streetview.
What drives you to do what you do every day?
The love of the job. I'm working my hobby all day, every day, so it's not technically working. I also love the satisfaction of knowing I've helped people.
What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?
The main problem has always been just getting the word out that we're here. We've been here for 20 years and a lot of people still don't know we're here.
Apart from that, we don't really have any problems to deal with – no staffing issues and very little direct competition.
Rich plans to move somewhere with more space this year.
Which other local firms do you most admire and why?
Taylors of Harrogate. They've got good employer ethics, and have gone from a small-town company to a global name. It's quite an impressive feat, really.
Who are the most inspiring local leaders?
One person who's been quite impressive is our new Lib Dem MP, Tom Gordon. He's just cracked on and seems to be getting things done.
The new Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has been trying to make a difference too.
What could be done locally to boost business?
Something needs to be done to reduce rateable values. Rates put a lot of small businesses off.
The parking situation in town definitely puts a lot of people off too.
Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?
The best is that Harrogate still has a nice small-town feel to it, with community spirit in a lot of its areas. It has that feel that people still care.
The worst is the traffic on Skipton Road.
Rich aims to stock more gaming equipment over the coming months
What are your business plans for the future?
I've got a few of those, but some of them are hush-hush: a work in progress.
But I do want to expand the business, possibly with new premises, although I haven't decided where yet.
I also want to get more gaming stock in. Gaming is getting to be a very big market these days. In fact, it's the biggest entertainment industry on the planet now, twice as big as film and TV. There are 3.3 billion people gaming every day.
What do you like to do in your time off?
Gaming when I can, and spending time with my wife, Hayley, of course. We have a black labrador puppy called Leeloo, and I like to take her for walks.
Best places to eat and drink locally?
The Deli Bar on the corner near here has just changed hands, and the food there is so good.
I like Starling in town too – it has a very relaxed atmosphere.
If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
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