News: Props looks to kick on after award win
Tom Jones, the recently-named Rotherham Entrepreneur of the Year 2012, has already spent most of his prize money on new stock as his skate store business in Rotherham town centre picks up the pace.
Located in the Eastwood Lane Arcade, next to the town's market and local college, RCAT, Props specialises in skateboards, scooters, replacements parts and fashion clothing accessories.
It has been open for less than a year but quickly became a hub for the local skater community and has definitely added to the different retail offer created in Rotherham by new local independents.
Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE), in association with UK Steel Enterprise, ran the awards for the seventh year running with the aim of celebrating and promoting the best businesses run by young people in the borough.
Tom had already been named as the winner of the Best New Start-up category when he was completely shocked to find out that he had been chosen as the overall winner by the judges.
"It was the proudest moment of my life" he joked, more than half seriously. Although you can tell from speaking to him that actually turning his vision into reality and opening his own store probably takes some beating.
Tom added: "It was hard work setting up but seeing the sign go up on the front, I don't think I've ever been so excited."
Tom, from Kimberworth, has been an active skateboarder for more than ten years. He had the idea of opening a shop for the local skate park community as he and his friends had to travel to Sheffield or Barnsley to buy their equipment. Support from the youth charity, The Prince's Trust helped to turn the idea into an achievable business plan.
Tom has also received support from RYE along the way, with business advisers regularly in contact. Props is also one of 12 new town centre business to receive support under the council's Business Vitality Grant Scheme. Since the scheme began in 2009, new clothing boutiques, bridal shops, homeware and gift stores plus a chocolatier have opened, helping to differentiate the town's offer.
As Rotherham Entrepreneur of the Year 2012, Tom received a special trophy and a cheque for £1,000. He also received an iPad from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.
Tom discussed the award and his plans for the future. He said: "The award has been great for helping Props get more publicity and the cash is going straight back into the shop.
"We've ordered some more of our own branded clothing - Props hoodies and tees. Our first batch sold out straight away and it's great to see skaters out wearing our stuff.
"We're also in a position for the first time to create some Props branded boards."
Other plans include expanding the store and adding café facilities. Props will also be helping to organise events for the skater community with the next one planned for the Clifton Park Skatepark in Rotherham town centre next month.
Tom added: "The events are good for building up more awareness of the Props brand but it's also good to give something back to the local community.
"When I was growing up, we never had anything like this and now I'm getting kids coming into the shop that are trying skateboarding for the first time."
Props website
Images: Tom Austen
Located in the Eastwood Lane Arcade, next to the town's market and local college, RCAT, Props specialises in skateboards, scooters, replacements parts and fashion clothing accessories.
It has been open for less than a year but quickly became a hub for the local skater community and has definitely added to the different retail offer created in Rotherham by new local independents.
Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE), in association with UK Steel Enterprise, ran the awards for the seventh year running with the aim of celebrating and promoting the best businesses run by young people in the borough.
Tom had already been named as the winner of the Best New Start-up category when he was completely shocked to find out that he had been chosen as the overall winner by the judges.
"It was the proudest moment of my life" he joked, more than half seriously. Although you can tell from speaking to him that actually turning his vision into reality and opening his own store probably takes some beating.
Tom added: "It was hard work setting up but seeing the sign go up on the front, I don't think I've ever been so excited."
Tom, from Kimberworth, has been an active skateboarder for more than ten years. He had the idea of opening a shop for the local skate park community as he and his friends had to travel to Sheffield or Barnsley to buy their equipment. Support from the youth charity, The Prince's Trust helped to turn the idea into an achievable business plan.
Tom has also received support from RYE along the way, with business advisers regularly in contact. Props is also one of 12 new town centre business to receive support under the council's Business Vitality Grant Scheme. Since the scheme began in 2009, new clothing boutiques, bridal shops, homeware and gift stores plus a chocolatier have opened, helping to differentiate the town's offer.
As Rotherham Entrepreneur of the Year 2012, Tom received a special trophy and a cheque for £1,000. He also received an iPad from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.
Tom discussed the award and his plans for the future. He said: "The award has been great for helping Props get more publicity and the cash is going straight back into the shop.
"We've ordered some more of our own branded clothing - Props hoodies and tees. Our first batch sold out straight away and it's great to see skaters out wearing our stuff.
"We're also in a position for the first time to create some Props branded boards."
Other plans include expanding the store and adding café facilities. Props will also be helping to organise events for the skater community with the next one planned for the Clifton Park Skatepark in Rotherham town centre next month.
Tom added: "The events are good for building up more awareness of the Props brand but it's also good to give something back to the local community.
"When I was growing up, we never had anything like this and now I'm getting kids coming into the shop that are trying skateboarding for the first time."
Props website
Images: Tom Austen
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