Article Source: McCosh Communications
First Published: 6 December 2019 15:05
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’.
The Traverse today announces our TravFest22 programme, celebrating a return to full strength across our performance spaces, Traverse 1 and Traverse 2.
One Spoke are proud to announce their new partnership with Veloeye, a bike registration system which links a bike to its owner via a smartphone app and a QR tag.
Superico, one of the most stylish restaurants in Edinburgh’s New Town, is hosting the official Scottish launch of a new light spirit drink from 11am until 3pm on Sunday 29th May.
Musselburgh Racecourse is preparing for its Platinum Jubilee Weekend on 4th and 5th of June with the announcement of two special guests who have interesting royal connections.
Edinburgh Queensferry PizzaExpress has undergone a full refurb and will welcome customers back through its doors to grab their most loved pizzas with a brand-new look.
YMI Programme has delivered a staggering increase in children's engagement with music across Scotland.
East Coast Fish & Chips takeaway in Musselburgh, one of Scotland’s ‘Top 10’ chippies, is supporting this year’s National Fish & Chip Day on Friday 27th May.
(Friday 20th May) The newest addition to Scotland’s festival calendar, Connect Music Festival, has today announced that IDLES plus many emerging artists will join the acclaimed line-up.
Edinburgh Zoo, home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), one of Europe’s leading centres of conservation, education and research, has launched a new virtual tour experience.
Deaf Rave, the organisation that provides live entertainment with music, sign songs and visual performances, has unveiled dates for its first ever Scottish showcase on 19th August at St James Quarter.
An ambitious new strategy has been launched by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) which aims to reverse the decline of at least 50 species over the next eight years.
Full casting is today announced for the award-winning production of Girl From The North Country. The production embarks on its first UK tour visiting Edinburgh Playhouse this October.
With the launch of their latest menu, Six by Nico will take you from Miami to Ibiza to taste the best of these top party destinations.
Three care homes in Edinburgh are launching a free guide to support people whose loved ones have been diagnosed with dementia ahead of Dementia Action Week.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is calling for people in the local community to become Collection Can Volunteers to help raise vital funds.
Two former Glasgow university students throw down the gauntlet for a chess match to celebrate the launch of their latest 3D chess set which celebrates the beauty of Edinburgh.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will host Bookbug Week from Monday 16 May – Sunday 22 May.
One of Edinburgh’s hottest cocktail bars, The Cocktail Mafia is due to open a pop-up bar in June on the Forth Floor of Harvey Nichols.
Scotland's longest-running licensed trade awards - dubbed the hospitality Oscars, have launched their search to find Scotland's top pubs and best-loved bars today.
After a sellout event last year, 2022 is set to be Edinburgh Cocktail Week’s biggest ever festival with 120 bars confirmed and a stellar line up of headline music acts.
Fore Play Crazy Golf is planning an un-fore-gettable Father's Day, launching a search for the ultimate caddies - from DILFs to guilty crushes, silver foxes to heartthrobs... Who's Your Caddy?
Rusacks St Andrews announced it has been recognized by Travel + Leisure in the publication’s annual “It List”, recognizing the world’s best 2021 hotel openings.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has been shortlisted for Campaign of the Year in the Scottish Charity Awards and has qualified for the People’s Choice Awards 2022.
Aldi Scotland has taken a Scottish twist on a family favourite for any Cinco De Mayo parties this weekend by creating none other than hearty, haggis fajitas.
Sir Tom Hunter has issued a heartfelt thanks to Kiltwalk Heroes who put their best foot forward for last week's Glasgow event, revealing they helped to raise over £4 million, a record-breaking sum.
NQ64 Edinburgh, the popular retro arcade bar sweeping the nation, has today announced a brand new, gaming inspired cocktail menu following a staff competition in seven UK NQ64 bars.
St James Quarter is calling all daredevils to kick off their shoes and test their nerves by signing up for an adventurous charity walk over broken glass on Sunday 12th June.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced the arrival of two tiny endangered Northern rockhopper penguin chicks at Edinburgh Zoo.
BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night is searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
Today (Wednesday 04 May), Underbelly is announcing a further 61 shows to go on sale for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.