Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Game On In Thurso

28th January 2003

Photograph of Game On In Thurso

Computer game enthusiasts in the far north are all rushing to Thurso, with the opening of a dedicated computer gaming centre in the town.

With assistance from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE), and a great deal of encouragement from his family, Michael Mathews (23) has set up Game Time Limited.

Michael - who still works part-time for Morson International writing computer programmes - has revamped a former newsagents shop in Thurso's High Street. He has installed 10 networked PCs where customers can take part in different games, either as individuals or with other players and local leagues are being set up for the most popular games.

Michael is also making plans to link up with other UK computer gaming centres in order for clients to take part in national leagues over the internet. Customers can also surf the net from the PCs and help is available for beginners.

A member of the Virtual Gaming Alliance, Game Time Limited has created three new part-time jobs. In addition, the business will provide part-time work for Michael and a full-time job for his mother Penny who will be taking care of the day-to-day administration of the business.

A building and development grant from CASE of £5,000 and HIE-Starts funding has helped Michael get the business off the ground. HIE- Starts is a programme designed to help new businesses by providing a regular income for the first twelve months of trading, usually the most difficult time for fledgling businesses.

Commenting on his new venture, Michael Mathew said: "I would like to thank CASE and my parents for their assistance, without it I would not be able to set up Game Time Limited. I would like to encourage everyone to come and have a go, even if they have never played before, we can help get people started."
CASE's HIE-Starts manager, Ian Thomson said: "New business starts are a key economic driver in the economy of Caithness and we are particularly encouraged by Michael's venture. This business is unique to the area and will provide young and old alike with a new activity to enjoy.

"It is also good to see a disused property in the Thurso High Street being brought back into use."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Caithness Fabrication Firm Gears Up For Big ContractsThumbnail for article : Caithness Fabrication Firm Gears Up For Big Contracts
A family run engineering fabrication firm in Caithness is investing in a project to improve productivity, grow business turnover and create new jobs.   Gow's Lybster Limited has been working with development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) over several years to develop its growth plans.  
Scottish Aquaculture Industry Gears Up For Aqua Nor 2025Thumbnail for article : Scottish Aquaculture Industry Gears Up For Aqua Nor 2025
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will return to Norway to host the Scottish Pavilion at Aqua Nor 2025.  The Scottish aquaculture supply chain is invited to register their interest to exhibit as part of the pavilion or join the wider Scottish delegation.  
Dounreay Engineer Wins Young Chemical Engineer Of The YearThumbnail for article : Dounreay Engineer Wins Young Chemical Engineer Of The Year
A young engineer working on Britain's deepest nuclear clean-up project has been recognised by the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).   Liam Gordon (27) won the Young Chemical Engineer of the Year award at the annual showcase event of the Aberdeen branch of IChemE, the professional body for chemical engineers in the UK.  
New Support Programme Launched For Food And Drink SectorThumbnail for article : New Support Programme Launched For Food And Drink Sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.   Small to medium sized enterprises in the Highland Council area that operate in the food and drink sector and its supply chain are expected to benefit from a new programme of support launched his week.  
Grants To Help Businesses And Social Enterprises Cut CarbonThumbnail for article : Grants To Help Businesses And Social Enterprises Cut Carbon
Businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands looking to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations can now apply to a new Green Grant Fund launched on Thursday 26 September 2024.   The three-year £2.7m fund was developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  
HIE Invests In Community Assets In Shetland's Outer IslesThumbnail for article : HIE Invests In Community Assets In Shetland's Outer Isles
A boating club in Unst, a former kirk in Whalsay and a community hall in Fetlar are among projects supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to generate income, provide vital services and create jobs in Shetland's outer isles.   Facilities at the Unst Boating Club are being upgraded to become more energy efficient and accessible to visitors and local people.  
New Fund Announced To Support Growth In Life Sciences SectorThumbnail for article : New Fund Announced To Support Growth In Life Sciences Sector
Up to 50% match funding grants of between £25,000 and £75,000 to help companies accelerate their growth plans.   Life sciences businesses in the Highlands and Islands that are looking to invest in capital growth projects will be able to apply for support through a new fund announced today (18 September).  
John O'Groats Marks 15 Years Of Remarkable TransformationThumbnail for article : John O'Groats Marks 15 Years Of Remarkable Transformation
The transformation at John O'Groats has attracted millions of pounds in investment through private, public and community-led initiatives.   Monday 9 September 2024 marked the 15th anniversary of a masterplan that has helped to transform John O'Groats from ‘Carbuncle of the Year' to a thriving visitor attraction.  
Susan Smith The Chief Executive Of Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd Is RetiringThumbnail for article : Susan Smith The Chief Executive Of Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd Is Retiring
The chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) has announced that she is retiring later this month.   Susan Smith, who has held the top job at the popular mountain resort near Aviemore for the past five years, has told staff she will leave the company at the end of September.  
5/9/2024
Caithness-based Engineering Firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd Goes For Growth With Latest New EquipmentThumbnail for article : Caithness-based Engineering Firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd Goes For Growth With Latest New Equipment
Caithness-based engineering firm Envision Engineering & Design Ltd is investing in new technology that will help increase business turnover and productivity while cutting carbon emissions.   The company has purchased a Leica Geosystems mobile 3D scanner after securing a £6,390 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the total cost of £21,300.