Award winning 21 year old CEO, Chris Thomas, reveals the secrets of his success
21 year old Chris Thomas, the CEO of incovo, has just scooped the award for 'Business Growth' at the West Lothian Business Awards!
Article Source: McCosh Communications
Last Updated: 6 December 2019 15:05
Edinburgh born and bred Chris Thomas was appointed CEO of incovo at just 19 years of age. Within two short years he has radically revolutionised the company, and now leading names within the business world are starting to take note. Shortlisted for three major awards in 2019, Chris reveals the secret to his success.
By his own admission, Chris wasn’t particularly ‘academic’ growing up, but he excelled in practical, hands-on subjects such as art and graphic design where he could channel his creative energy. When friends were heading off to university, Chris put family loyalty first and started working at his father’s business. Fast-forward just a couple of years and after the tragic death of his father – Richard Thomas, a well-known businessman and Chairman of Boxing Scotland – Chris took on the role as CEO of incovo, a company founded in 2002 specialising in telecommunications and office printers. A daunting prospect for any 19-year old, but Chris has not just taken it all in his stride – he is in fact making positive strides forward in the industry.
Chris is a strong believer that every business needs to be adaptable, now more than ever; ‘It’s so important to move with the times and be flexible in response to whatever comes your way – whether it be technological developments or personal life events,’ he comments. incovo had been going strong for nearly 17 years when Chris took to the helm, but he was keen to shake things up and modernise, so he started by overhauling the look and feel of the branding and website to give it a more contemporary edge.
The unveiling of a brand-new demonstration suite followed, enabling prospective customers to see the latest, state-of-the-art HP technology in action. Next, Chris carefully head-hunted a range of industry experts to join his growing team, then he took the bold decision to switch to flexible, remote working to enable his employees to achieve a better work / life balance. With business booming, Chris felt confident it was time to make his biggest move yet – expanding the business to include a whole new range of IT services.
The secret to his success, he puts down to some simple yet sensible advice passed on to him by his father; ‘Always keep your lines of communication open’. And it’s clearly working. Earlier this year, Chris earned himself a nomination and a coveted place on the shortlist of The Institute of Directors ‘Young Director of the Year’ awards. Then he finalised for the ‘Next Generation Award’ at The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, and it has just been revealed Chris has won the ‘Business Growth Award’ at the West Lothian Business Awards.
Yet despite these impressive accolades, Chris remains down to earth and is always keen to get involved in opportunities to give back – sponsoring the Hamilton Bulls Junior Rugby Team, Hamilton Ladies Rugby Team, and Calderglen Thistle football team, donating to local food banks, and organising charity events to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support and Shakti Women’s Aid for example. ‘Yes, we specialise in modern technology,’ says Chris, ‘But at the end of the day, it’s vital to remember our company’s reputation is built on relationships with people’.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chef to host floating Captains Table experience onboard luxury Edinburgh hotel
One of Scotland's leading chefs will be hosting a collaborative Captain's Table experience onboard Edinburgh's five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Wednesday 4th February.
READ MORE
National Centre for Music appoints Director of Partnerships
Scotland's National Centre for Music bolsters founding team with new Director of Partnerships.
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop kicks off the New Year with hands on courses to build new skills
New year, new skills. Edinburgh Open Workshop is kicking off January with a hands-on programme of creative courses designed to help people turn resolutions into reality!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Vow to volunteer! The New Year resolution that could change lives in 2026
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) believe that by vowing to volunteer in 2026, people can make a real difference to their local community!
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Glamorous Edwardians to be explored in major Edinburgh exhibition
A glamorous, never-before-exhibited portrait of Queen Mary and a miniature sleigh made of rock crystal will be among highlights on show in Scotland for the first time in this major exhibition.
READ MORE
Scotland goalkeeper kicks off Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city's iconic Torchlight Procession.
READ MORE
Hibs women support Scottish charity with Nuby this Christmas
Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.
READ MORE
Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub
A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.
READ MORE
Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland
Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
Historic Edinburgh pub set for major investment in the New Year
A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of the Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment.
READ MORE
Castle of Light offers special priced tickets for spectacular closing night
Experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).
READ MORE
Edinburgh Rugby scores new deal with city centre sports bar
Edinburgh Rugby has scored a new deal with one of the city’s most popular sports bars, which will see all the buzz from Hive Stadium pop-up in the Grassmarket.
READ MORE
A Goal So Good it is a Work of Art!
It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.
READ MORE
First Footin goes Global with Live Streaming announced from iconic venues
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world.
READ MORE
Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience
This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites guests to raise a dram to a quarter-century of discovery as the Distillers’ Fair returns for its 25th year.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection
Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17th December 2025.
READ MORE
The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.
Two in a row: The Johnnie Walker Experience has once again been named Europe and The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at the 2025 World Travel Awards(WTA).
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer
Dynamic Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwilym Gibbons as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous and far-reaching recruitment process.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions
Edinburgh's Christmas has added new special themed skating sessions to run throughout the season.
READ MORE
Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology
Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links