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Dereck Highley’s children and their friends have played a huge part in the success of his new business - a mobile laser tag game that is proving a massive hit with
Dereck, who lives in
“Amanda and I had separated but when she became ill I wanted to help in any way I could and be there for the children when they needed me,” explained Dereck. “At the time I was working 12 hour shifts at a local company and it proved impossible so I decided I just had to give up a good salary and find something else.
“I’m a big kid myself and we all loved playing laser tag games when we went to theme parks. Adult paintball games can be painful for children of this age and I couldn’t find anything suitable locally so I bought a couple of the remote control guns. When I saw how many children wanted to join in, I decided that I could improve and develop the idea into a mobile business.”
Urban Commando Laser Tag can be set up in about 30 minutes and is already a favourite at youth clubs, children’s parties, sports centres and community halls. Each player wears a target and carries a hand held infra-red-emitting device. Points are scored for a ‘hit’ and games range from combat-based ones to competitive sporting events.
Dereck had advice and loan funding from the Derwentside Homes Enterprise Fund, set up by Derwentside Enterprise Agency and Derwentside Homes to help local people finance new small businesses in the economic downturn, and grant funding from Be Enterprising with support from coach Ian Hodgson. The funding totalled £5000 and enabled him to buy his first 10 guns and sensor packs, a van and finance some marketing.
He has also attended a confidence building course run by Families First and workshops on health and safety, first aid, book keeping and risk assessment.
“I used my engineering background to build the mobile scenery and it was painted, including a subway scene complete with graffiti, by pupils at the Stanley School of Technology, where Daniel and Beth go,” Dereck said. “They have been brilliant and came up with fantastic artwork that echoes the style of their favourite computer games. They also helped with market research and poster designs and the project taught them something about enterprise and business in the process. “
Dereck now plans to double the number of guns and sensor packs, widen the area of operation across the North East, start creating jobs and, in the long term, create a franchise business and set up clubs.
“I am determined to make a success of this,” said Dereck, who lives with his children, his partner Louise Perkins and her four children Niomi, 11, Kizzie, 9, Caitlin, 8 and five year old Aaron. “There is never a dull moment in the house with seven children but we are now starting to look to the future. The children have been fantastic; I am very proud of them and grateful to everyone who has supported me.”
“Dereck has come through some difficult times and worked really hard to get this new business off the ground,” said Steve Armstrong of Derwentside Enterprise Agency. “We are just pleased that we, and other support organisations, have been able to help him and his family start a new chapter. “