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
Heather On The Hill Festival Announced
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.
READ MORE
The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer
With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.
READ MORE
Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend
Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.
READ MORE
United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport
United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.
READ MORE
Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
READ MORE
First Look at the Magical Festival Transformation at Duck & Waffle
This festive season, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and step into the 'Chamber of Magic' - a world where wonder, mischief, and wizardry collide.
READ MORE
Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter
Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.
READ MORE
BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORE
Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026
Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme
The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.
READ MORE
Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes
Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026
Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving
Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.
READ MORE
King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh
King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November
This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland
Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.
READ MORE
Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant
Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom
Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links