Game On In Thurso
28th January 2003
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
A Lewis man who recently moved to Shetland has been awarded funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help make kite energy a reality. Rod Read set up his company, Windswept and Interesting Ltd in 2012 when he started developing kite turbines.
The current phase of engineering works to strengthen the 1.9km viaduct that supports the railway track began in April 2021, with the aim of returning the funicular to service early next year. However, despite strong progress made in tough conditions, HIE has concluded that the planned timescale now needs to extend into the second half of 2022.
Orkney Cheese Company Limited is investing in a £925,000 refurbishment project, which is set to increase production, create jobs and help the company reach new markets over the next three years. Significant improvements will be made at the Hatston Industrial Estate based facility in Kirkwall.
There are currently several opportunities, across a broad range of disciplines for Graduates, from HNC to Post Graduate, to apply for within Businesses and Social Enterprises across Caithness and Sutherland. To register an interest please forward the following information tohilary.budge@hient.co.ukby mid-day 17th September 2021: Full Name Educational Institute Award Attained and Subject Year of Graduation(e.g., 2020) Any additional subject/graduate position interests E-Mail Address Legally permitted towork in the UK (Yes / No) Available to work from Caithness or Sutherland (Yes / No) The details provided will be forwarded to the Businesses and Social Enterprises that have current vacancies and they will arrange to contact the Graduates direct.
Another 22 young business leaders from around the Highlands and Islands have become the latest to take part in a year-long programme aimed at developing the next generation of entrepreneurs. The IMPACT30 programme is open to people aged 35 and under who are in key decision-making roles in young, ambitious businesses.
For the 5th year running HIE has joined forces with SE and SOSE to fund the RLP, which is aimed at business managers and employees from rural businesses (both private/social enterprises), who have a desire to develop their leadership skills and grow their business. In previous years farmers and land-based consultancies have dominated the cohorts, HIE are keen to promote the opportunity to rural businesses across the sectoral mix we have in our rural economy.
Plans for Caithness to become the host site for a prototype generator for one of the world's most efficient, cleanest and lowest carbon forms of energy have taken a step forward. A bid to host the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion power plant was submitted by the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP) in March.
The mountain resort will enhance its summer offering with a new blue accessed gondola trail that, once completed, will be the UK's longest uplift accessed mountain bike trail. A new and more convenient controlled entry car parking system will also be installed for summer 2021 which will allow visitors the option to pre-purchase parking tickets online.
Scotland's development agency for the Highlands and Islands has set out its plans to create jobs and support an inclusive and green economic recovery over the coming year. Action for Jobs and Communities is the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) operating plan for 2021-22.
Virtual taster sessions are arranged for 24 June and 28 July for Pathfinder Accelerator, which is a six-month programme designed to help participants build a company or launch a new product saving time and money. Developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the programme provides fast-track training and mentoring and will be delivered completely online.
