BLOG - ON THE INSIDE

Have sneak peek of how the store is looking this winter.

martin.billing — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:54:35 +0000

If you can’t make it to see us in Holkham then here is your chance to have a nose around and see what is going on this winter. I say winter but to be honest we have been blessed with bright crisp days over the last few weeks. It doesn’t seem right considering this time last year we were knee deep in snow. The good thing is North Norfolk is a great a place to be whatever the weather.

If you head to our BTOI facebook page you’ll find a new batch of images that will give you sneak peek around the shop.

RIP Steve Jobs. A true genius.

martin.billing — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:04:56 +0000

Today I learnt of the sad death of Steve Jobs of Apple.

This man has been an inspiration to me and created much of the technology in my life. This afternoon I found myself searching You Tube for a video I have watched many times before and I’m sure I will watch many more times in the future. A video that not only touches my heart but also make me believe in following your dream and doing what you love. To quote Steve Jobs from his commencement speech to the graduated of Standford University in 2005.

“You have got to find what you love and that is as true for work as it is for you lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, the only way to do great work is to love what you do, if you haven’t found it yet keep looking and don’t settle, as with all matters of the heart you will know when you find it and like any great relationship it just gets better and better as the years roll on so keep looking don’t settle.”

The huge Apple screen that sits on my desk at the shop is a clear sign for my love of what Apple do and produce. They have not only change the technology that my life and BTOI runs on but made a huge impact on the retail world with their clean, inviting store environment. I have no doubt that Apple can and will continue with what Steve Jobs has built and achieved over the years. RIP Steve Jobs. A true genius.

If you have a spare fifteen minutes I would really recommend that you take a moment to watch this video on You Tube of Steve’s speech.

East of England Young Business of the Year Awards

martin.billing — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:11:37 +0000

Last week I was honored to be invited as guest speaker to the Young Enterprise, East of England Young Business of the Year Awards at Queen?s College in Cambridge. Back in 2003 I took part in the Young Enterprise Company Program. The knowledge and experience I gained from taking part gave me the drive and inspiration to set up my own business. Since starting BTOI I have always been keen to pass on what I have learnt and continue to support the charity. I closed my speech at Queen?s College with the message to follow your passion, stay true to yourself and don?t let anyone hold you back. I hope my words inspired many others to follow their dreams.

The group AGAIN from Colchester High School for Girls (pictured above) walked away winners after selling hundreds of ‘Treasure Chests’ a portable pocket which fits inside a bra. Design to hold credit cards, money, taxi numbers and front door keys after they learned of the high number of girls having their bags stolen on nights out. We wish the girls all the best when they go on to the National Finals at the Savoy Hotel in London later this month.

If you want to learn more about Young Enterprise visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk (Pictures courtesy of Scott Hortop of Light Touch)