From Teen IT Fixer to Trusted MSP: Building OTECH with Confidence, Character and Care

In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sit down with Kyle Sharland, founder and Managing Director of OTECH, a managed service provider supporting businesses across the UK with IT, cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Kyle’s journey didn’t start with a grand plan or corporate backing. It started at 15 years old, fixing servers on an industrial estate, learning the trade hands-on, and building trust one relationship at a time. Ten years on, OTEC is a growing, values-led business with a strong reputation and a clear view on where IT, cyber and responsibility are heading.

We talk about:

• Starting young and learning by doing

• Building a business without losing your humanity

• The loneliness of early-stage business ownership

• Why confidence matters more than credentials

• Pricing, churn and having the courage to charge properly

• Cybersecurity myths and what small businesses really need

• When to bring in external help and why support networks matter

• Responsibility, leadership and carrying other people’s livelihoods

• Giving back through OTEC’s laptop donation scheme for schools and charities

This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about business growth, pressure, purpose and doing the right thing — even when it’s hard.

If you’re a business owner, founder or leader navigating growth, self-doubt or complexity, this episode will give you perspective, reassurance and practical insight.

From Garden Shed to 7,000 Sq Ft: Building Mad Mowers

What started as a home-schooling project fixing broken lawnmowers in a garden shed has grown into a serious Dorset business with a 7,000 sq ft unit, commercial contracts, cutting-edge technology and a clear plan for the future.

In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I sit down with Michael and Andrew Drapper of Mad Mowers. Michael, just 18 years old, is Managing Director. Andrew is his dad, business partner and the steady hand behind the scenes. Together, they share an honest, no-nonsense account of what it really takes to build a business from scratch.

We talk about:

• Growing a business without a grand plan – and why that’s more common than people admit

• The reality of being a teenage Managing Director

• Cashflow shocks, seasonality and nearly getting caught out

• Why shiny object syndrome kills progress

• Moving from paper tags to fully customised systems using Notion

• The shift from petrol to battery and robot mowers

• Commercial contracts, service plans and recurring revenue

• Hiring, process building and stepping out of the day-to-day

• Why getting a business coach earlier would have saved pain and time

This is a grounded, practical conversation about learning the hard way, staying focused, and building something that lasts.

If you’re starting out, scaling up, or wondering why running a business feels harder than you expected, this episode will resonate.

Photography, Self-Doubt and Saying Yes: Building Folio Creative

In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, I’m joined by Beth, founder of Folio Creative — a personal brand photographer and content creator working with female founders across Dorset to elevate their online presence with confident, warm, story-led brand visuals.

Beth started her business in 2020, right in the middle of COVID, after finishing a photography degree and finding the traditional career path had basically vanished overnight. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she created them. Doorstep shoots, small local makers, side hustles turning into real businesses, and a steady climb built on showing up, building trust and learning as she went.

We talk about:

• Starting a business with passion, but no clue how business works

• How networking helped Beth learn faster than any course could

• Why Instagram is still her best lead generation tool

• The reality of being a solo founder and pushing through self-doubt

• Building a reputation that creates referrals over time

• Creating and hosting sold-out events for female founders

• What it really takes to grow when your work is personal and relationship driven

• The long game: freedom, flexibility, travel, and building a business that supports a life

This is a thoughtful, encouraging conversation for anyone starting out, feeling behind, or wondering if they’ve got what it takes. Beth’s message is simple and powerful: say yes, learn fast, and back yourself.