SPOTLIGHT ON AN INFLATABLE HIRE COMPANY
YOUR NAME?
Lee Bridges
NAME OF YOUR INFLATABLE HIRE COMPANY?
Fun Times Bouncy Castles
www.funtimesbouncycastles.co.uk
YOUR LOCATION?
Milford Haven, Wales.
WHAT IS YOUR AGE?
31
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU STARTED HIRING OUT INFLATABLES?
I was a police officer.
WHAT MADE YOU START AN INFLATABLE HIRE BUSINESS?
I had the money to invest in a business venture, and initially I was very interested in buying a pub. However, the fact that the pub trade was in general decline put me off.
One day, I was talking to my best friend and he happened to mention that his dad had a bouncy castle business (with 9 castles and 1 set of sumo suits) and that he was looking to sell up. He told me that the profits were substantiak so it was a complete no-brainer for me to buy the business – and I haven’t looked back.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Rugby and going to the gym.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?
Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL?
Spicy chicken fajittas
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE UK HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
Alton Towers
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION ABROAD?
Thailand
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TV PROGRAMME?
Game of thrones
YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS
Anything from Yngwie Malmsteen
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT THE INFLATABLE HIRE BUSINESS?
Watching people really enjoying themselves on my hire equipment. Also, seeing how the kids respond to my staff when they are dressed up in full size mascots.
IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY?
I don’t like it when hire companies and even manufacturers look at their competitors and make the decision to copy them exactly. If you have the mindset of wanting to copy everything your competitor does then at least be creative and IMPROVE upon what your competitor has done. By being innovative instead of a mere copycat, then you will greatly benefit. If I could wave a magic wand – then I would insist that no exact copying is allowed only improvements and innovation.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A HIRING FROM HELL? (Horror story or an unusual booking?)
Yes….
I once donated 3 inflatables for a kids cancer charity fundraising event.
DO YOU HAVE ANY USEFUL TIPS OR IDEAS THAT YOU COULD SHARE WITH THE OTHER BIHA MEMBERS.
1) I used to get around £55 per party by jut renting a 12 x 12 castle. Nowadays I get around £180 per party because I also have 2 of my staff wearing Mascots.
2) If you are based in Wales or anywhere close, make sure you pay a visit to Bulldog Inflatables and speak to Graham. This company comes highly recommended for all your inflatable needs!
HOW HAS THE BIHA HELPED YOU IN YOUR INFLATABLE HIRE BUSINESS?
I read all the great tips and ideas published by the BIHA in the weekly newsletters and on the website.
They massively helped me in the early years of my hire biz.
After 7 years in this biz, I still read these tips and learn from them.
It’s great to be reminded of some of the basic stuff, that can be forgotten about by long established hire companies.