05 October 2009 by Jim
eBay has produced its second millionaire in the UK! It took internet-enterprising (“interneprising”, perhaps?) Mark Radcliffe 10 years to build his business from scratch to the big one zero zero zero zero zero zero.
He started out when he was 20, with his parents’ garden shed as his stockroom, by selling mobile phone accessories and parts.
Now he has a £700,000 house of his own and a £150,000 Ferrari to go with it.
“I have to pinch myself – it’s a dream come true,” said Radcliffe. He started out with £200 that he’d saved up from his £7-an-hour job as a trainee manager at Tesco.
By 2003, he’d moved into a 10,000 sq ft warehouse and by 2005 he’d develop his brand, First2Save.
Any tips? “Being aware of the latest technology has always been important,” he said. “And I couldn't have got where I am today without the right people to help.” He now employs 19 people, and has an annual turnover of more than £3m.
He pointed out eBay offered a low-risk business opportunity compared with a shop premises.
“The internet means that virtually anyone can succeed in business from a low start-up point. All it takes is a lot of hard work and determination.”
Radcliffe said that his business had been affected by the recession, but he’s on top of things and still makes a profit on hi-tech products.
Cardiff-based Jamie Murray was the first eBay millionaire, also selling mobile phones and electronic accessories to the tune of £2m a year.