SkillFlick lists over 300 local services for users to discover and buy.
An eclectic team of entrepreneurs have launched a website to revolutionise how business is done in South West London.
Founded by a heart surgeon, a party promoter and a computer wizard who lost his hearing aged seven, SkillFlick is an online marketplace where local sellers can advertise their services and buyers can quickly compare prices and book services online.
Founder and CEO Ryan Perera said: “I realised that there was no way for talented people to be discovered. Our mission is to transform the way local business works by helping people connect to talent which is often hidden or hard to find.”
The 32-year-old quit his job as a cardiothoracic surgeon in August 2012 to set up SkillFlick, based in Fulham, with co-founder and family friend Dihan Algama.
The duo then recruited Wisdom Umeugo, a computer prodigy who is profoundly deaf after surviving a life threatening coma aged seven, to develop the site.
Ryan said: “Leaving my job wasn’t scary as I believe 100% in the project. I have always believed in the idea as no-one has done anything in this space. We now have a team of eight who share our vision for SkillFlick.”
The website lists over 300 skills from photographers, cupcake makers and personal trainers to more niche services, including fire performers, mind readers and coffee connoisseurs.
Since its launch in February 2013, SkillFlick has gone from strength to strength. Within 12 months SkillFlick accrued over 1000 users and hundreds of sellers who listed over £200,000 worth of services.
Ryan, who also produced a top ten hit with Virgin Records whilst studying medicine at university in London, said: “Our biggest achievement to date is being ranked in the Ernst and Young Future 50 Awards 2013.”
The prestigious awards celebrate the success of young entrepreneurs who are leading a sustainable and ethical business and provide future generations with inspirational role models.
Asked what the future holds for SkillFlick, Ryan said: “Our goal is to make it as easy to buy a service from a local person online as it is to buy a book from Amazon.”
For more information, or to register your service, visit www.skillflick.com
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