Curious Oranj - Case Study Reference No. 300-142-1

Citation

Martin F (2000) Curious Oranj - Case Study Reference No. 300-142-1. Bedford, UK: European Case Clearing House at Cranfield University. http://www.ecch.com/educators/

Abstract
This case outlines the background to the start-up, by two young marketing graduates, of Curious Oranj, a marketing and design agency in Glasgow. The case profiles the early entrepreneurial activities of both Stephen Burns and Stephen Halpin prior to, and after completing, their identical undergraduate marketing degree programmes at the University of Paisley. Both Burns and Halpin were clearly 'inclined' towards an entrepreneurial career before and after their time at university. They then consiously sought to acquire the necessary business experience before going out on their own. This experience, over a period of five years, gave them, in their eyes, the credibility they felt clients would expect of them when starting-up business in a very competitive sector. They did not require any form of an initial push such as the possibility of unemployment to start the process going. The case illustrates the pull factors that can come into play (based mainly on antecedent and incubator factors) once the initial trigger has been activated. Having given up the security of very well paid marketing positions, the two friends then set about making a success of their new venture. Within a period of three years they have built up a highly successful marketing and design agency. They seem well set on the way to realising their ambition to build Curious Oranj into a household brand name. This case contains colour exhibits.

Keywords
Entrepreneurship; Business creation; Business development; Company culture