Will Howard
Will's company, Hit The Theatre specialises in getting young people enthused about and going to the theatre. By offering discounted tickets, whilst not compromising quality of the seats, Hit The Theatre has built up a loyal following of supporters.
Do you think there are enough role models of young people who have set up their own businesses? Who if anyone has inspired you?
There are never enough role models in any aspect of life. If there was enough of something there wouldn’t be a challenge to become one.
There are however individuals (and global corporations) that I drew inspiration from growing up.
Even though I bought Richard Branson’s autobiography I never really got stuck into his story but the books that fascinated me were the histories of Coke and of the Olympics.Both are inspirational stories in their own right.
My mother started a business about 13 years ago and I have been lucky enough see her successes and failures and learn small amounts from her.
How did you get your first break?
When I was 18 I was unfortunate to rupture my Anterior Cruciate Ligament in my right knee. This meant I was unable to play sport for 9 months so fell into theatre. The Cameron Mackintosh organisation found a month’s work experience for me and the rest is history!
When I was at Oxford Brookes University I decided I could enjoy going to see West End shows and the University would support this. I would always get a free trip.
The ‘society’ started with 25 friends going to see the Lion King and ended with trips to New York and mammoth trips to the big West End musicals (the largest was 450 to We Will Rock You).
Has this been an important part of getting you where you are now?
Yes, I made a lot of mistakes with the society at Oxford Brookes, but there was always help on hand to correct you or double check your work. Now I run the business myself I have become the double checker, with attention to detail.
Who is the one person who has been most influential in your success?
There has been no one person that I could pinpoint as the most influential. A number of people, both within my family, within the theatre business and amongst my social group that have supported me along the way.
If I was to be honest, the most influential thing that helped me keep going in the early months was seeing the joy on the faces and reading the glowing emails after people had been to a show with Hit The Theatre.
Have you ever been a part of a network which has helped your business (E.g. MySpace, Bebo, a networking club, informal peer network)?
I was a member of the NGCE Flying Start Campaign in 2006 which was a massive benefit and also great fun. I highly recommend it.
MySpace is a great way or targeting fellow young people (the staple of the business). In the early days I used a trusted group of friends and business contacts who gave me honest advice on some of the serious decisions.
How did your idea become a reality? Was it a passion which turned into a business idea?
I was lucky to get inspiration from the Cameron Mackintosh organisation when I was 18. I challenge anyone to not develop a passion and gain inspiration from working backstage at The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Originally it was a passion for theatre that got me into theatre, however it was a clear business opportunity that encouraged me to launch the business.
How did you get access to finance (E.g. Friends and family/ banks/ other)?
Banks were not interested in supporting me, and I was not interested in asking friends or family, so I used savings from my previous job. It’s been tough but I am very glad I don’t have large loans to pay off.
Have you ever worked for someone else?
If yes, how was the experience? Do you think employers allow young people to be creative in the workplace?
If no, why not? What would make you consider working for someone else?
I would find it very hard to work for someone else now. I have done a number of jobs. On my GAP year I worked in a supermarket in New Zealand for six months, also for a PR research company.
On graduating I was offered two jobs, one in theatre and one in sports marketing. I took the sports job and spent five months in the post until I finally decided to take the plunge and set up the business.
I enjoyed the camaraderie of working with others, and that is one thing I miss, however I didn’t enjoy the office politics. This is something I will always try to avoid.
What would your advice be to someone thinking about setting up their own business? How would you encourage someone to ‘take the plunge’ and overcome a fear of failure?
Setting up a business is a big step. It was easier for myself than some others as I didn’t have any financial ties. I had to move back home and cut my spending but it is worth every moment.
My advice to anyone would simply be to go and do it. If you don’t you will have regrets, if you fail then start again.
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