Startups.ie

Company: Tobin Shipping & Transport Ltd
Website: www.tobinshipping.ie (off line in Jan for re work)
Founders: Simon & Simone Tobin
Age: 38
Based: Dublin
Staff Number: 3
Date started: 11th October 2010

Tell us what your business does?

Tobin Shipping & Transport is a European logistics Company, providing a comprehensive intelligent logistical service.

What does this mean?

It means that we draw on years of experience and a large global logistical network that has daily co-operation between a large numbers of highly motivated people, from a variety of countries and cultures.

Tobin Shipping & Transport uses this know-how to set high standards in the industry. Our European & Global network is constantly growing. The standards of the European Logistics business network also extend to transport solutions in the Middle East, Asia and the USA.

Our aim is always to be a premier logistics service provider with a strong focus on a partnership approach to Customers and Suppliers. Since our establishment, we have achieved consistent tailored logistical solutions through continued research and development, and through strategic partnerships.

We Provide:

· National transport & distribution

· Daily UK Transport

· European Transport & shipping

· Ocean Freight

· Warehousing

Where did the idea for your business come from?

Our family have been in the shipping and transport industry since 1946, and have built up many business in Ireland & the UK. I have now taken on the legacy and established a new business with a reach into Europe, Asia and the USA.

I had worked in the industry for the past 19 years and achieved senior roles in major European logistics companies and plc’s, following restructuring of the company I last worked for I was made redundant, and decided to take up the family tradition and commenced my own business.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Yes, I stayed out of the family business and went my own way in the corporate world but always had the itch to do it for myself.

What planning did you do before you started up?

5 months of planning, networking and seeking agents / suppliers globally. Draft business plans and all the legalities and administration infrastructure that is required.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

Denis O Brien

JP McManus

Richard Branson

Michael O Leary

What challenges have you faced how have you overcome them?

Trade Credit

Rising Fuel Prices

These are the two main challenges that are a daily on-going problem, we are striving to partner up with other similar / related business to collectively buy services and negotiate on credit terms. With regard to fuel which is 32 % of cost in road transport, we constantly seek to try get a fuel surcharges but struggle. It is the norm in the UK and Europe.

How have you promoted your business?

Daily and hourly, via networking

Are you optimistic about 2011?

Yes, down to my own belief in myself and the will and drive to succeed.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Do your research, you are always leaning, you will never be an expert or know everything, constantly network and meet people, be honest and humble, know who you are and where you came from, never give up, work hard but keep your family values and work life balance, take calculated risks but never gamble, close your eyes and imagine where you want to be in life and business, and live it, act ON IT > GO FOR IT !