Ben DaCosta
Co-founder of Bendac Group
Ben DaCosta is a 24-year-old who – with his dad David Da Costa - founded Bendac , a Melksham-based company that specialises in providing LED solutions for use all over the world .
Part of the Bendac Group , the company is passionate about building a young , modern environment , offering perks such as a mindfulness app membership , a gym membership and even allowing dogs in the office .
Ben shared his business story so far with The Business Exchange ’ s Nick Batten .
What is the backstory to Bendac ? We formed the business about six years ago while I was still in my first year at Swansea University . We wanted to partner with a Chinese technology company in providing specialist LED displays .
We started to design and engineer display solutions initially for UK customers and then globally . One of the first contracts we won was Bristol Airport . We grew very quickly and in our first year of trading generated just under $ 1m of revenue . Since then , we ’ ve delivered solutions in about twenty countries around the world and have gone from having no employees to having 25 .
Tell us about the services and products you offer Our core business is producing LED screens . So , for example , at Chelsea Football Club we have provided all the big displays inside the stadium . We also design , engineer and install display technology for a wide range of verticals , inclusive of the aviation , retail and education sectors .
In addition , we recently installed a billboard in the King Fahad Road in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia , a display that is being used for advertising - the largest double-sided advertising display in the world .
Are you working with any significant clients at the moment ? We are currently finishing off the Sophia Gardens ground in Cardiff for Glamorgan cricket club and we are doing a multimillion-dollar contract for an international Law Firm in the US .
But previously we ’ ve delivered for Coca-Cola , Google and the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida .
How has the business fared over the past 18 months ? We have probably doubled our business over the last 18 months , and I think the main reason for this was the complete dedication and belief of our employees throughout the whole lockdown and Covid situation .
Have you diversified your offering as a result of the pandemic ? We decided to enhance our services . So , because of all the uncertainty caused by Covid , instead of just designing and then ‘ contract manufacturing ,’ we decided to recruit our own engineering team .
Where do you see the business in ten years ? Over the next three to five years , we will probably grow the business to about $ 50m a year in revenue . We will then continue to provide enhanced new technology and new innovation to the market .
What is your company ethos ? To always deliver above and beyond the customers ’ expectations .
We believe in old-fashioned values where the customer is always right . Furthermore , our relationship with our employees is core to the business . We have agreed to give away 20 per cent of the equity of our business to the senior people in the company . This shows anyone joining the company that there ’ s a future .
Ultimately , we want to become a ‘ destination employer ,’ and the only way you can do that is by engaging with your employees .
“… at Chelsea Football Club we have provided all the big displays inside the stadium . We also design , engineer and install display technology for a wide range of verticals , inclusive of the aviation , retail and education sectors .”
We are also committed to giving back to the community , so we donate 0.5 percent of our revenue to charity .
@ BENDAC _ Group
bendac _ group
What advice would you give someone wanting to start a business ? I would say to anyone and everyone who is starting out – if you have ambition , drive and a strong work ethic , then you can be a success .
Do you have plans to expand ? We are building an XR broadcast studio [ virtual effects ] here in Melksham which will be the first in the South West . It will be up and running in October and could be used by companies like the BBC and Netflix .
BENDACGROUP
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2021 21