Flybe / February 2018

78 / 132

78 FEBRUARY
SPENDING TIME
“The founder of innovative luggage company GATE8 on the challenges of launching a start-up
business…”
BUSINESS
5 minutes with...
ALISTAIR CALLENDER
When did you start GATE8 and why?
Back in 2013, I was a frequent short-haul
business traveller. I spent my time queuing at
check-ins and hoping my hand luggage would
be accepted. It was always a game of hope,
as different airlines had different carry-on
policies. I was queuing at London’s Heathrow
airport for a flight to Scotland for a meeting
when I got the idea of producing a range of
bags for business and leisure travellers that
would be cabin-approved on the majority
of airlines, plus a second range designed
specifically for airlines’ cabin crew around
the world.
What was your previous experience?
Prior to starting GATE8, I had a successful
career in IT, working for companies such
as Oracle Consulting and BSkyB, both as a
computer programmer and latterly as an IT
Project & Programme Manager.
Who else is involved in the company?
We have a small, talented team based in our
head office near Heathrow. We also have a
significant investor, Lara Morgan, who owns
equity in the business. We meet monthly to
review management accounts, and review
strategy and product development.
Did the company take off immediately?
I wish! Starting a business and a new
brand of luggage (in a very crowded market
place) was not easy and took all my energy,
determination and persistence. I established
the brand to deliver “Luggage for stress-free
travel from home to gate” and staying firm
to this core message did make the start-up
phase easier. But never underestimate the
effort and resource required, let alone a
very understanding and supportive wife!
Early-days recognition from, for example,
the Federation of Small Businesses awarding
GATE8 Best New Startup in 2014, and
several product design awards, made this
phase of the business more enjoyable and
rewarding.
What are your current products and
whatÕ s innovative about them?
GATE8 make it possible for passengers to
travel hand luggage-only, with a range of
innovative bags that are all cabin-approved.
Our approach to design is to not only ensure
they are made to the right dimensions, but
that also have functionality that improves the
passenger journey. That means modular zip-
off sections to guarantee you can take your
valuables and tech on-board and to your seat,
or clever garment folding/storing options.
Our research and customer feedback has
shown our products reduce boarding times,
reduce travel stress and improve the overall
passenger experience.
We are now the only UK luggage brand
where you can personalise your bag online via
our website and have it delivered with your
initials, name or company logo professionally
embroidered into the bag. We recognised that
in a world of competitive gift-giving, it’s no
longer sufficient to offer customers products
that cannot be personalised.
Do you design them all yourself? WhatÕ s
the design process?
Along with my team in China, all the GATE8
product design is completed in-house. We
also run frequent “meet the GATE8 customer
focus workshops” to meet frequent travellers
who are using our products to get feedback
for product improvement, new product ideas
and to understand or about the GATE8
customer profile.
Prototypes go through rigorous in-house
testing for build quality, but are also shipped
out to one of our many GATE8 Ambassadors
for “real-life” trials and feedback. At head
office, we also have an Airbus overhead locker
and one of those “evil” baggage measuring
gauges to help us test any new products.
What drives you forward each day?
I love the challenge and freedom of creativity
that growing your own business and brand
brings and this helps with getting up in the
morning, along with the need to make sales
and earn money!
What piece of advice would you like to
have had before starting GATE8?
I was very lucky and had some great advice
and guidance from Hounslow and Richmond
Chambers of Commerce, the British Library
Start-up Centre and from my investor before
I finally changed career, all of which helped
enormously and prepared me for the leap of
faith required to give up the day job. There
are lots of free resources out there to help
future entrepreneurs; they just need to be
researched and enjoyed. I am now giving up
my time (with pleasure) to mentor start-up
entrepreneurs, hopefully helping them and
giving something back.