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Playing in Business, Determined in Enterprise

The former newsagents on Thurso's High Street arcade has transformed into a high-tech networked computer centre with internet access for computer and gaming enthusiasts. At the helm of Game Time Limited² is 23 year old computer professional MICHAEL MATHEWS and employing 3 part time staff.

Mr Mathews said; "This has been a vision for a long time because I have always been involved with gaming and I have been aware that it is much more enjoyable in a social environment, and the business aspect fits so well because I can run the enterprise and the customers get to play and use software which they otherwise may be out of their grasp."

Before the opening of the centre Mr Mathews was a software developer at the Dounreay power station site and studying computing at the North Highland College, Thurso.

Ideas are wonderful but getting financial backing is always the first hurdle. Thankfully the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust helped get things moving with a £5000 loan and continuing aftercare advice, which is carried out by our advisor Jennifer Irvine.

Jennifer Irvine based in Highland Council¹s development office in Wick added; Michael has hit a niche here with a solid backing because of his professional knowledge and to see the business take off so quickly is encouraging in this area. Not only having wonderful business plans but providing a social centre for a wide selection of people.

Game Time Limited also received a financial package from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise which included a HIE starts grant and 25% of the initial computer hardware costs which added up to a further £5000 assistance for equipment.

Michael has approached this head-on and is catering for the gamers hunger from the outset with 12 high-spec computer systems, each having 14 games installed including the newest titles which already are looking at being upgraded to keep pace with the industry. Already 1,000 hours of gaming time have been clocked up.

"We run a membership scheme for customers which has benefits for them because of their eagerness to keep playing. At the moment we have 47 members at Game Time Limited and as members of the IGamesUK (formerly VGA) ourselves we compete in a national gaming league every Monday night and have entered local teams into 5 national competitions, reaching the final stages on one occasion."

Microsoft has come on board for the northern business, supplying X Box games systems for trials of new game developments; "This is particularly exciting for us because it means we are being recognised and have credibility in the computer gaming world. We are pushing for Broadband at the moment which will take us up another step in the business because the nearest equivalent centre in the the central belt."

"The hardware is in place, the software installed and updated regularly the only limit is on our imagination and how we want to present the facility and the options for gaming sessions. We have held a child¹s party and regularly take bookings for pc time for groups."

Game Time Limited is open from 3.30pm ­ 8pm on weekdays and 11am ­ 8pm on Saturdays and holidays.

Since it was formed in 1989 the PSYBT has helped over 6,700 young people get started and continue in business.

Need For Speed Challenge By Maxxblade
Hey computer gamers here is a challenge from Maxxblade alias Niall Fernie. Niall will be at Game Time In Thurso on Thursday 1st May challenging all comers to one of the fastest racing games around. If you think you are up to it why not come along and see if you can defeat Niall. You better be good but if not you can get some really good practice in. The races are fast and furious so come along and have a try. If you already race get practicing as we think you will need it Niall will be there from 4.30pm onwards…………………….

Michael Mathews at Game Time Ltd  can be contacted on 01847 892651
Jennifer Irvine can be contacted on 01955 605858