How Yorkshire Wargames and Hobbies opened its doors

Dan Jowsey opened the doors of Yorkshire Wargames and Hobbies in Northallerton, with support from the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Dan often joked about opening his own model shop, a dream he considered a far-off possibility. However, when he was made redundant and tragically lost his best friend, Dan realised it was time to take a leap of faith.

With encouragement from his wife, he began exploring how to make his dream a reality. This led him to reach out to the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub for help. Feeling overwhelmed, he emailed the Growth Hub help desk. Faye Greer-Pickup, Growth Hub Delivery Officer, quickly arranged a call with Dan to understand his idea.

Dan’s experience working for established game shops gave him a solid foundation in the industry, allowing him to recognise a gap in the market. Many customers within the region were travelling long distances across North Yorkshire to find gaming and modelling supplies. Dan had located potential premises in Northallerton but was unsure if they were financially viable and didn’t want to commit without careful planning.

Faye guided Dan through the essential steps of creating a business plan and cash flow forecast to evaluate the long-term affordability of the premises. She also encouraged him to conduct market research. Faye provided practical advice on conducting research and even reviewed Dan’s survey, offering feedback and guidance on GDPR compliance. This research helped Dan better understand his target audience and predict potential sales.

They also discussed the pros and cons of different business structures. Since Dan planned to take on premises, Faye suggested a limited company might be the best option but ensured he understood his choices. Knowing that Dan is Dyslexic and would find accounting challenging, Faye recommended local accountants and shared the ICAEW directory to help him find the right support.

Through the Growth Hub’s “Strive Live” programme, Dan gained valuable insights and built confidence. “It was very informative and gave insights I hadn’t even considered,” he says. “The programme provided a foundation to build on and connected me with others on similar journeys. The sense of community has been amazing.”

Fast forward to today, and Dan’s dream is now a reality. His shop in Northallerton has become a vibrant hub for hobbyists and gamers. Customers describe the atmosphere as “lovely” and appreciate having a local space to gather and connect. Dan’s vision extends beyond retail; he’s passionate about promoting local clubs and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. Even dogs are welcome in his shop, adding to its charm.

For Dan, hobbies like modelling are more than a pastime, they’re a coping mechanism and a source of peace. “If I can help one person, then I’ve achieved my goal,” he says. By fostering creativity and community, Dan has turned his passion into a thriving business that truly makes a difference.

Grateful for the support he received, Dan’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing your dreams.

Dan’s Testimonial

“The Growth Hub’s help has been fantastic, Faye put me onto things I had never ever considered, such as cash flow charts and how to write a business plan. Faye suggested the strive course, and proofread things for me, it’s been a great support. The service that the Growth Hub given me has been 10/10, I would highly recommend this service to anyone starting out in the area.”