First steps…

I’m not going to try and motivate you to take your first steps into doing whatever it is you’re wanting to do. I am definitely no authority to do so. I am still very much new to this running a business malarkey. All I know - thus far - is that you need to have a certain mindset in order to resist the temptation to give up or never get going.

Visiting groups often ask me how I got started, what inspired me, what was I doing before starting my business and where do I come up with all the puzzle ideas.

How I got started - in the escape rooms business

I was working at Exit Newcastle and felt very much like I had found my ‘calling’ as it were. For many years - like a lot of us do - I wondered what my purpose was, what my skills and brain were best suited to doing. The opportunity that Brad gave me, to design, create and build ‘stuff’ was brilliant. I already had the confidence wielding various tools and fixing things from my experiences in the world of DIY, so to be rewarded with employment for putting my skills to use was hugely beneficial.

The trouble is - or was - was that after almost seven years working with Brad, I had grown restless and ultimately yearned to fulfil a growing ambition that I had so often been close to doing many years previous - but never had the balls to actually do it - and that was to run my own business. I just needed the push…

The push: I asked myself “if not now, then when…” - just go for it, see where it takes you…

I got in touch with a local business advisory service called: Project North East (PNE). They put me in touch with a mentor - David Mearns - who was very useful and supportive. I’ve stayed in touch with him because he continues to help with all sorts. He definitely helped me make my decision to dive in and take that leap of faith…

I got started by making a plan and that plan was: look for venues.

I was ahead of myself a bit - but I knew I could build games, I knew I could create and design puzzles. I knew I could host groups and make sure they had a great time. I knew I would have the support of my family - something that is vital to every new business.

I just needed to find a venue - somewhere I could start to base my focus on and build a proper plan.

I viewed several properties in the city centre - including a property very near an existing escape rooms business but it lacked any vehicular access. I viewed a venue next-door to and above The Crown Posada pub near the quayside. I wasn’t keen on being in the middle of such busy nightlife.

I viewed an old bank on Gosforth High Street - a huge venue that would have been brilliant for an escape room and cafe. But the rates and rent were too much. Besides which it was too much ‘work’ for me to take on.

I found 114 High Street quite early on and felt it was ideal from the off. So I went for it…

Longish story short, I signed a 10 year lease in May 2025.

I was committed. I was quietly confident but nervous as heck.