Rosanna Mackney and Robert Fulton

1
Rosanna Mackney and Robert Fulton
We are the worlds only specialists in
electronic, interactive plush and robotic pets.
Our website, www.electronicpetshop.com, stocks
the largest range available anywhere. To add
value to the products and make the buying process
unique, we offer a free adoption package with
every pet adopted, which the customer can
personalise with details of the owner and pet.
Our products mainly appeal to children aged 4 to
14, although we also reach a few specialist
markets including elderly people in care homes
and those who are unable to keep real animals due
to money, space or allergy issues. Our high tech
robotic pets appeal to gadget enthusiasts and we
also stock many lower priced products that make
original gifts.
The Enterprise Fellowship Scheme

• The best thing about being on the EFS programme
  is knowing there is a safety net of mentors and
  funding to rely on when taking the first risky
  steps that every start-up company has to make, as
  well as being able to make the journey alongside
  others.
• The EFS training provided us with much vital
  background knowledge. The mentors all specialise
  in different areas, allowing us to access a wide
  area of expertise.
• Whilst on the programme we have learnt that it
  is possible to develop the skills to run our own
  business, although a change of lifestyle may be
  necessary to do this!
• The programme has built our confidence in what we
  are able to achieve, allowing us to begin to
  expand our business into specialist areas such as
  special needs schools, and also to take risks
  such as bulk purchasing products from abroad.
• For any students considering applying to EFS, we
  would say the rewards are well worth it if you
  are enthusiastic about your business idea and
  willing to work at it.

• What new skills have you gained?
• As well as learning about the practicalities of
  running a business, weve learnt about time
  management and motivation, and gained skills in
  communication and negotiation.
• Whats your business achieved so far?
• Since August 2008 the business has been making
  enough to support both full time employees. We
  have had customers from all over the world and
  built up our product range to include many rare
  electronic pets, some of which cant be found at
  any other UK shop.
• What opportunities are open to you as a result
  of the programme that you might not otherwise
  have had?
• Through being on the programme weve been able to
  display at many events and trade fairs and made
  some useful contacts. Weve also been able to
  invest in some exclusive product lines that we
  wouldnt have been able to without the financial
  support.

Customers Comments
It is very heartening to know that there are
businesses out there with a genuine interest in
the products they sell, unlike the big toy
chains! Lucy Ventress, customer at
ElectronicPetShop.com It's always a delight to
meet people willing to put some depth behind
their market. Too often people forget toys are
supposed to be fun. Mark Tilden, Robotics
Physicist at WowWee Toys My granddaughter was
absolutely delighted with her Easter chick! I
have nothing but praise for the way you conduct
your business. Carole Chisholm, customer at
ElectronicPetShop.com
In 2 years time we plan to have increased our
sales enough to allow us to employ more full time
staff, and for our brand to have a great internet
presence. We would like to have spread awareness
of electronic pets and the benefits they can
provide to people with certain needs and
difficulties, and be working closely with special
needs schools around the country. We also hope to
be dealing with specialised higher end robotics
implementing cutting edge technology.
Electronic Pets Ltd Unit 40 Stafford Business
Village Dyson Way Staffordshire Technology
Park Stafford ST18 0TW www.electronicpetshop
.com contact_at_electronicpetshop.com Tel [phone]
738
Programme Details W www.staffs.com/enterprise
E speedandefs_at_staffs.ac.uk Tel [phone]