Virgin StartUp of the week: Kick Scoot UK
Ever dreamed of going sledging with huskies, or looking for something a bit different to do outside? Kick Scoot UK have got it covered with a wide range of scooters, including 'mushing' scooters - where you harness your dogs to the scooter and enjoy the ride. We spoke to founder Steven O'Neill to find out more. Kick Scoot UK are supported by StartUp Loans Delivery Partner NWES.
We choose one Virgin StartUp company to be featured on Virginstartup.org each week. We ask our startups of the week to deliver the ultimate elevator pitch. What would they say if they had one minute in a lift with Sir Richard Branson? Please answer the questions below, keeping each answer to five sentences max.
Ground to floor 1 – Explain what your business does
We sell a wide range of scooters and dog accessories. We're particularly focussed on 'mushing' scooters - scooters pulled along by your dog, so both of you can share a fun outdoors activity. Plus it's great for your pet's health!
Floor 1 to 2 - Where are you based?
We are based in Lakes Innovation Centre in Braintree, Essex, just 1 min from the ever-popular Freeport Shopping Village. The Centre is specifically designed for start-up companies looking to establish themselves.
Floor 2 to 3 – What’s the business model?
The main focus of our business is dog scooters and promoting the health benefits of giving ourselves and our dogs more exercise. We also sell scooters for general recreational fun for children and adults, as well as a great range of dog harnesses, leads and collars, and scooter/bicycle accessories and add-ons.
Floor 3 to 4 – Who are your competitors?
There are a small number of competitors in the market - these sell mostly online only and are based in the north of the UK.
Floor 4 to 5 – What’s your USP?
Our USP is our unparalleled range of scooters. We cover scooters for children and adults, folding scooters, dog scooters and traditional - even a scooter designed for people with injuries who struggle to ride a traditional bicycle. In addition, our physical store in a great location gives us the opportunity to truly offer people an awesome product not seen before on the UK market, right here in Essex.
Floor 5 to 6 – Where did the idea come from?
I returned from a 2 year working holiday in Australia with my first ‘mushing’ scooter to be used with dogs - a Mushing PRO. After thoroughly enjoying using it with my Siberian husky in the Australian outback, I tested it against the models currently on sale in the UK – and that day I decided I had to bring ‘Kostka’ Scooters to the UK.
Floor 6 to 7 – How much funding did you receive from Virgin StartUp?
We received £9500 from Virgin Startup and are extremely grateful for their assistance with turning our ideas into a reality.
Floor 7 to 8 – How are you going to use it to grow your business?
We will use the funding for our start-up costs, including setting up the shop, as well as advertising and promotional events to establish the Kick Scoot UK brand.
Floor 8 to 9 – What’s your workspace like?
Our shop is looking great – we’re opening on the 16th of December!
Floor 9 to 10 – where will your business be in 12 month’s time?
At the end of our first year we will start breaking in to the rental market – putting a twist on traditional cycle-hire schemes will be the main focal point of our business.
To find out more about Kick Scoot UK check out their website, or connect on Facebook. Kick Scoot UK are supported by StartUp Loans Delivery Partner NWES.