Scooter News Hollie Goes Lightly Hollie Black of leading brand "Bolwell Scoota" interviewed in weekends Melbourne Herald Sun.
www.news.com.au HOLLIE Black of Bolwell Select finds working in her family's scooter business puts a spring in her step.
Sum up your business in one sentence.
A close-knit family business importing and distributing motor scooters throughout Australia.
What are the benefits of running a family business?
Decisions can be made quickly and effectively without politics and beauracracy getting in the way.
Is it hard to keep your business and personal lives separate?
I don't think we've had a birthday or Christmas in five years where the 's' word hasn't come up. We once tried to ban the 'scoota' talk but inevitably it creeps in. Sometimes a birthday dinner results in the best ideas.
Are scooters becoming more popular in Australia?
The scooter industry in Australia has more than doubled in the last 12 months, growing 129 per cent in 2004.
Does NSW lead the scooter craze?
Due to licensing freedoms in Queensland and WA, they are the two most popular states in Australia. In both states (as well as Northern Territory and South Australia) you can ride a 50cc power limited motor scooter on a full car driver's licence. Not to say NSW isn't thriving with growth of 58 per cent in 2004. We are expecting continued growth because of the restrictions car drivers face in large cities parking and the high costs of petrol and the time factor. Who really has hours to spare just sitting in the car parks that have become our city's arterials?
How much do they cost?
Our most economical unit is only $1990 plus dealer delivery and on-road costs. And most importantly when you consider they only take gold coins to fill the petrol tank not a gold card, they are paying for themselves very quickly. The top of our range, a beautiful cruising style scooter retails for only $6765 plus dealer delivery and on roads, a scooter which is more than capable of tackling the open roads comfortably.
What has been Bolwell's biggest challenge since it started in 1999?
Managing the growth whilst maintaining the levels of service we have built our business success on. We tripled our turnover in the last financial year and look to be doubling it again this year, that's a huge amount of juggling to ensure everyone remains happy.
If you were given $100,000 to put towards the business, how would you use it?
Promotion, promotion, promotion, it's all about brand building; but then I am the marketing manager.
Do you get around by scooter?
Absolutely, a gorgeous red Bella, nothing like a chick on two wheels!
Do you have any tips for budding entrepreneurs?
Energy, enthusiasm and do something you love. It's amazing how good it feels to build something you have a passion for.
What does the future hold for your business?
We have recently expanded in mobility scootas, electric bicycles and Australia's first chainless bicycle which is the latest technology from overseas and will revolutionise how we see bicycles. It is exciting to be moving forward with new products and continually travelling to explore new opportunities.
How many hours do you work a day?
Generally 9 to 10 hours but there's always things after hours – photo shoots, trade shows, travel. You are constantly thinking about work, it's exciting and I have very understanding friends who are good listeners.
What do you do with your leisure time?
Travel is my obsession and I am lucky enough to be able to combine this with work. I always manage to stay a little longer wherever I end up and do a little bit of exploring myself.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Working with my family is wonderful. I've worked in some large organisations that are so caught up in the beauracracy of big business, nothing ever gets done and people become increasingly frustrated. We simply make the decisions and have a great time each day doing it.
What is your website address?
www.scoota.com.au and phone number 1800scoota.
published 14/01/2008 |