Pictured: Riki Capone
A fascination with science teamed with a passion for business
have helped Riki Capone create his own crock of gold at the end of
the rainbow!
The idea for Goldie Horns Ltd came about back in 2009 when East
Midlands based Riki wanted a few items gold plating. "I bought a
hobbyist machine and decided to do the work myself, learning the
process from videos, books and other people in the business.
"I went to a school that was very science orientated and so got
to grips with the basic principles pretty quickly and found that
the process came almost naturally to me."
Growth
Pleased with his achievements, Riki started to plate items for
friends and soon discovered his entrepreneurial streak. "I devised
a business plan outlining how I intended to build a successful
business and once satisfied it could work, registered with
companies house."
With the foundations established, Riki began to build up the
business, investing in equipment and developing the range of
plating he could offer. "I learned a lot about other processes in
the first year and did a lot of networking. I've made a lot of good
contacts, such as the man who built my website - without his input
the business definitely wouldn't be in such an enviable
position."
Riki says that EMB Ltd, the leading enterprise and development
company responsible for delivering a range of business improvement
services including Business Link, Investors in People and the
Leadership and Management Advisory Service have also been
instrumental in helping get the business off the ground. " EMB
arranged for a Business Link Adviser to review my operations, and
they opened my eyes to the necessary legislation and helped me to
sort insurance, COSHH compliance and waste disposal methods."
Brainstorming
EMB also acted as a sounding board for his ideas which gave him
the opportunity to think through the aspects of developing the
business. "They helped me formulate an action plan, which was very
useful, as was the information they gave me in terms of networking
opportunities and marketing ideas, it helped me move the business
up a level.
"Not only did I find out more about how to meet other
business-minded people, I have set a vision for my company, backed
up by a complete action plan which my Adviser checks progress on
fairly regularly. This boosts my confidence and steers me in the
right direction."
Working together
Riki's contacts have helped him drive the business forward and
excel in his work. "I started attending markets on a weekly basis
to promote my service and moved into my current premises which is
big enough to accommodate pretty much any job. I also offer a
completely mobile plating service on site, on call, anytime within
the East Midlands.
"It's not the easiest time to start a business but we're doing
well. By continuing to deliver excellent service backed by the
right marketing I aim to make Goldie Horns Ltd the leader in
electroplating in the not too distant future!"