My First Computer Company

There were four of us initially involved in this company; a computer programmer who wrote the programs to provide the accounting services, a fellow accountant who handled the day to day operation of the computerised accounting services, a secretary, and myself.

The offices were based in central Birmingham.

The services we provided were the bread and butter, but I saw that the real money making opportunity was to sell micro computers themselves.

One of the first dealerships I took up was with a British manufacturer Digico. There was also a new american machine on the market called the Superbrain. I travelled to South Carolina in the USA where the manufacturer was based to negotiate an exclusive deal to import the Superbrain. Unfortunatley it was unsuccessful as they eventually decided to manufature the machine in the Republic of Ireland to supply the european market direct.

As well as this I had demonstrated the latest Digico machine to Dunlop Tyres Ltd. who wanted to put a micro computer into each of their tyre depots; some 500+ machines. In the event they did buy 500+ machines, but not from my company; instead they dealt directly between themselves.

These two set backs were obviously very disappointing; however, another major incident spelt the end of my company - my wife left me taking our three daughters with her. Unable to cope with this rationally I went through what I call my Off the Rails period.