magictricks.co.uk

From small beginnings, Magictricks.co.uk has grown immensely. They are now by far the largest internet magic dealer in the UK. We spoke with their Founder Carl Fraser to find out more.

Your name: Carl Fraser

Position / title: Owner / Managing Director

Company name: MagicTricks.co.uk

Website: www.magictricks.co.uk

Your company / website vision statement / goal:

The UK's leading online magic tricks store.

What you sell / services you offer (brief description of your company):

We sell a wide range of magic tricks, books and DVD’s for all ages.

We also offer a free discussion area where magicians from all around the World can discuss the art of magic

Have you always wanted to run your own business? What were some of your previous jobs / companies?

Yes, definitely. I left school at 16 and worked as an accounts clerk. I became involved in testing a new accounts system being introduced, then later became a junior programmer. I was a programmer for several years, then moved into a Local Area Network support role. I became a freelance contractor in 1996, doing LAN working before launching MagicTricks.co.uk in August 1999 as a part time business.

I've worked full time at MagicTricks.co.uk since January 2000. My previous programming/LAN work was for a variety of companies including systems providers, banks and insurance companies.

Have you got any qualifications? Please tell us about yourself academically?

I've got the equivalent of 4 'O' levels, and when in a LAN support role, became Certified Netware Engineer (CNE). All other skills are self taught, or learnt on the job.

How / when did the idea of your website / company come about?

I'd seen the Internet as a huge growth area, so taught myself how to program a website. I tried a couple of ideas that didn't really take off, and then hit upon the magic idea after seeing David Blaine for the first time on TV. I'd always been interested in magic, so it seemed like the ideal opportunity.

If you could give readers of this book one piece of advice what would it be?

You have to make sure customer service is always at the top of your priority.

Who are your role models / mentors and why?

I admire Richard Branson. The Virgin brand is so diverse, yet with only a couple of exceptions, still has a great reputation for quality and service across everything they do.

I also admire James Dyson for his persistence in the early days. After being rejected by every vacuum cleaner manufacturer, he went it alone, and has been hugely successful.

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