A local student has entered the world of self-employment and entrepreneurship with the launch of a website selling technology products and accessories that appeal to his age group.
Josh Cockburn, who is 17 and in his final year of sixth form, first got the idea after watching YouTube videos about drop-shipping products. Josh started his first ever job in August 2022, with AS Design at Marquis Court, and soon started to learn hands-on about business and e-commerce. With the help of his brother Nathan and AS Design owner Alan Sawyers, Josh put together an online shop and imported some products from China.
He attended his first business event on the day his website went live and made his first sales as a self-employed entrepreneur. He has since expanded his range after importing more products, which are now being sold and sent from his workplace in Low Prudhoe. Josh said: “I was buzzing when I sold my first products and having them here with me makes a lot of sense. I still plan on doing some drop-shipping but I think importing the first batch of products has been a better experience for me, as I’ve been able to test the products, get reviews from friends and family and take product shots for my website and social media.”
Josh’s products include phone and keyboard cleaning kits, phone holders and charging stations, LED deskpads and cable organisers. He added: “I love having gadgets in my room around my bed and at my desk, so I really wanted to sell products I would use myself. “I’m hoping to go travelling when I finish school but am also learning to drive, so the extra money I make outside of my main work will go towards that.”
