James Auckland

Hi, I'm James and since 2004, I have been company director of TradeRadiators.com, an online radiator business.

In 1996, I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with BA (Honours) Packaging and Communication Design and embarked on a career in graphic design. I was a partner in a design agency in Huddersfield before moving to Nottingham and setting up my own graphic design business. It was while working as a graphic designer that I decided to start an online business with my brother Nicholas.

Nic had been working as a project manager on an old mill that was being converted into flats. It was completed to very high specifications and the apartments sold very quickly.

What Nic noticed, and what become vital in the formation of our business, was that prospective buyers were very likely to be sold on a property if the fixtures and fittings were of high quality. Things like radiators, towel rails, taps and bathroom suites stood out to people who were viewing the properties. Provided they were of a high standard, it was these features that seemed to impress people the most. It was then we decided there was a market for high quality furnishings, and we decided to source them and see if we could make a profit online.

Over a decade later, our little 'experiment' has become a very successful business. TradeRadiators.com is our flagship brand, though we also have a range of other websites offering a variety of home furnishing products. We now have a full team of administrive and support staff in our recently-refurbished offices in central Glasgow and myself and my brother have both completed our own property development projects.

Running your own business is always a challenge, but it's something I absolutely thrive on. Changes and fluctuations in the markets means we have to keep an eye on what is going on, while also planning for the future and other opportunites for business.

I'm currently based in Leicestershire with my lovely wife and two children, so between my family and the company, I've got plenty to keep me busy and be thankful for!

By the way, if you do need a high quality radiator or heated towel rail for your home, please check out my website first! We offer fantastic prices and free delivery!!