This innovative blend of new hardware and software, which has cost up to a quarter of a million pounds to develop, allows the DJ to drag and drop their music files into play lists - allowing their full collection to be stored on one complete system. Shaun Minns, managing director of Computer DJ, based at the SHINE Knowledge and Innovation Park in east Hull, got the idea for his unique products during his experience as a professional DJ. Minns was well aware of the pitfalls facing DJs travelling from gig to gig - boxes of heavy equipment, risk of damage to CDs and electrical gear and occasional tampering from clubbers. Helped by knowledge that he gained as the national IT manager for electrical giant Comet, he designed a prototype of a slimline, laptop-style product which takes the place of all the unwieldy kit and cables.
The idea, which debuted at the PLASA show in September last year, is really taking off after only a year in business; Minns says he is witnessing increasing orders from across both the UK and US. Preparing the way for dealer opportunities across mainland Europe, he has his sights set also upon the lucrative markets in the Far East. In its first year, the business has achieved a six-figure sum turnover and MInns says he has been astounded by the rate of progress and increasing sales.
He adds that the support of the university - and in particular Business Development Officer Mike Brown at SHINE - was vital in helping him to get his good idea off the ground. SHINE is a business park run by local company Wykland Properties, which was set up by a consortium of city organizations including Hull City Council, the University and Reckitt Benckiser. Mike Brown acts as a bridge between such fledgling companies and the wealth of research and other expertise available at the Cottingham Road campus. His role is jointly funded by the University and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under Objective 2. Minns said: "Through my experience as a DJ, I knew I had come up with the inspiration for a unique and innovative product, and I had to run with it all the way to the market. The past year has been incredibly hard work but, hopefully, it is beginning to pay off now. I have put everything into this business and have a great team of people who are totally committed to its success."
(Lee Baldock)
