It started out as a hobby – but has grown to become a successful business.
Now Asad Brown is relishing being his own boss as managing director of computer software specialist Server Start Ltd.
Asad launched the business just 10 months ago, but has already seen strong growth in demand for its services, principally web-based software. And its soaring success means he could soon be expanding the company – by making use of Government initiatives aimed at boosting apprenticeships.
Server Start Ltd already employs three people at its offices in Marsh supplemented by two web developers based in Ukraine and Slovenia.
But Asad says: “I have a vision for this business and I aim to take on more people.”
The firm, based at Marsh Mills in Luck Lane, has completed a number of software projects – the most recent being for Huddersfield-based Rapid Hire Centres Ltd. Server Start Ltd has built up an impressive client list. Customers also include Huddersfield-based windows firm Continental Installations Ltd, Crocodile Verandas, Crocodile Garage Doors and A Kahn Design Ltd – the Bradford firm where Asad worked before launching out on his own.
Asad, 26, who lives at Mount, attended Salendine Nook High School and studied accounts, IT, business and sociology at Huddersfield Technical College before gaining a degree in accountancy and finance at Huddersfield University in 2009.
He says: “I started working as an accounts assistant, but quickly realised it wasn't what I really wanted to do. I stumbled across IT as it started off as a hobby helping local businesses with IT support. Then, after working for a large company for quite some time I built up the confidence to run my own business.”
Asad worked for A Kahn Design for more than two years, starting out in accounts and progressing to IT before working in operations as a member of the management board.
He says: “I don’t come from a ‘business’ background. My dad’s a driving instructor and my mum’s a school dinner lady. But even at primary school, I seemed to have a knack for business! I used to trade ‘Pogs’ and then football stickers. At university, I was selling textbooks that I bought on Amazon to other students and making a few pounds. Once I’d graduated, I started meeting business people through work and talking about what they had achieved. That gave me the confidence to think I could do something myself. I had a few mentors who helped me out. I listen to their stories and learn from them.
“You can learn a lot from the older generation because you can get carried away with your own thoughts sometimes.
“You also learn from your mistakes. Everyone has a few trip-ups, but the secret is to learn by them. I have learned how to manage people. Now we are a VAT-registered, limited company and a Microsoft Partner– and we are delivering to clients’ expectations.”
Server Start Ltd provides commercial IT support, including server support, IT audits, software support, websites, CCTV and alarm systems and web-based software – an area in which the company is quickly establishing a name for itself.
Web-based software is software which can be used over the internet with a web browser – rather than having to install any CDs, download any software or worry about upgrades or backups.
It enables spreadsheets, databases or handwritten notes used to manage different aspects of the business to be incorporated into a series of web-based applications which are all integrated together and provide greater functionality.
Each user or staff member has their own login which enables them to manage their respective area – such as stock control, accounting, calendar scheduling, tender management or warranty management.
Server Start Ltd builds the applications from scratch – enabling systems to be tailor-made to the client’s specific requirements.
Says Asad: “Web-based software is still a fairly new market. When we talk to businesses about web-based software, they don’t know what it is, but I think it is going to be the future. We ensure that the solutions we provide deliver everything the customer needs – and more than their current software.”
As managing director, Asad says his role is to find out what the client wants, work with the web builders throughout the construction and testing of the systems, ensure the client is satisfied with the end result and provide direction for the company.
“My aim is to build long-term relationships with our customers,” he says.”So far, all our business has come from work-of-mouth recommendations.”
And his philosophy is simple. “The biggest issue is making sure that software systems work for the benefit of the business rather than the business having to fit into the system, Staff training is also vital. A company’s staff may be used to doing things their way and they need to be trained and encouraged to adopt the system because that will make their jobs easier in the long run. The key to what we do it to create efficiencies which save the company money.”
Asad thoroughly enjoys being his own boss. “We are doing well,” he says. “But I am never really satisfied! I’m always driving myself to work harder and harder. I’m always in overdrive!” He admits that it’s hard to switch off. “I have friends in London and I like to go there to see them. But even when I’m relaxing I can’t help thinking about work. Still, if you love what you are doing, it doesn’t feel like hard work. There’s a balance to be struck. You have to work hard and deliver results, but there has to be some leeway.”
Asad also argues that if you want to work hard, its important to be in good health. He says: “I like walking. I live near Scammonden, so I go there to exercise. I love the fresh air and the greenery. It beats pounding the streets and breathing in the traffic fumes.”
Role: Managing director
Age: 26
Family: Single
Holidays: I enjoy European holidays and have been to Milan, Barcelona and Majorca
First job: Working at Tradex in Huddersfield when I was a college student
Best thing about job: Seeing something develop out of nothing and seeing how a completed project can make life easier for people
Worst thing about job: At A Khan Design I was working with 50 other people and speaking to them every day. I miss working with large numbers of people – but I have a vision for this business and I aim to take on more people!
Business tip: Give the customer what they want
Work: Commercial IT provider
Site: Marsh Mills, Luck Lane, Marsh
Phone: 01484 968 006
Email: asad@serverstart .co.uk
