At ena Development Consultants, we are proud to be part of the private sector’s development in the region of Thrace, and more specifically in Xanthi. We are especially pleased to have contributed to the upgrade of the company IKTEO Xanthis Ltd., operated by the Kadoglou brothers in Xanthi (3rd km Xanthi–Lagos), through the utilization of the NSRF 2014–2020 funding tool. With the support of the experienced team at ena Development Consultants, IKTEO Xanthis Ltd. successfully secured approval under the action "Upgrade of very small & small enterprises to develop their capacities in new markets" of the Operational Programme “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPAnEK), NSRF 2014–2020”, receiving funding that covered 50% of its eligible expenses.
More specifically, through the subsidized expenses, the company acquired security systems including cameras and sirens, computers and IT equipment, CRM software, as well as a vehicle to cover its operational needs. In addition, it renovated its single-leaf entry doors and replaced old lighting fixtures with LED lights, significantly improving energy efficiency. The company also invested in branding and marketing services, essential for promoting its business identity. Finally, thanks to this funding initiative, the company was able to create a new job position, which has been maintained even after the project’s completion.
As part of creating the new Business Story, the Marketing Department of ena had the pleasure of visiting Private Vehicle Inspection Center of Xanthi Ltd. and speaking with one of its two owners, Mr. Evangelos Kadoglou. During the visit, we had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the vehicle inspection process, and to learn how this business idea was born. Mr. Kadoglou kindly answered a series of questions we posed to him:
How did the idea for your business come about?
As part of developing the new Business Story, the Marketing Department of ena had the pleasure of visiting the Private Vehicle Inspection Center of Xanthi Ltd. and speaking with one of its two owners, Mr. Evangelos Kadoglou. During the visit, we gained firsthand insight into the vehicle inspection process and learned how this business idea originated. Mr. Kadoglou kindly answered a series of questions we asked him:
"How many people does your company currently employ?"
The company currently employs 9 permanent staff members and serves a steady daily volume of 40–50 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and small trucks up to 3.5 tons.
How did ena Development Consultants and the ESPA funding contribute to the realization of your project?
The company had an upgrade plan that was quite costly. The ESPA program, by subsidizing 50% of our expenses, helped us develop our business to the extent we desired while maintaining reasonable liquidity during this challenging period. After all, liquidity is one of the most vital aspects of a business — without it, you simply “fail.”
Overall, participating in an ESPA program was a completely new experience for me, and it made me realize how demanding and complex it can be. Nevertheless, Evi was extremely helpful and informative; she put everything in order, guided me through the next steps, and was present at every on-site inspection required to complete the program. Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to finish such a challenging program, as the fine print in the procedures really matters the most!
The guidance from ena was literally the alpha and omega for the successful completion of the program. I would definitely collaborate with the company again, 100%.
What makes your business stand out?
The company’s philosophy is that we place emphasis on safety. For us, everything begins and ends with safety.
The signature we put on our work is very important to us. We invest in proper training and certification for all our staff. Since each inspection lasts at least 20 minutes (starting from the first photo), it is very important for us to have an increased number of inspectors who can simultaneously check a corresponding number of vehicles (e.g., 5 inspectors – 5 cars, 10 inspectors – 10 cars, one after the other, directly). Our goal is to avoid keeping customers waiting while ensuring that every inspection is thorough and accurate.
Beyond that, I believe what sets us apart is the relationship we have with our customers. For us, they are like one big family, and for that reason, we take great care of their vehicles and, by extension, their safety. In fact, we have a system that notifies vehicle owners when their inspection (KTEO) expiry date is approaching, so they can bring their vehicle in on time and avoid the fines imposed by the state for late inspections.
"What difficulties did you encounter during the implementation of your business idea?"
We encountered the typical difficulties faced by businesses of this kind in our country, particularly regarding the licensing process for operating the KTEO, obtaining loans, and dealing with the bureaucracy of the Greek public sector. Additionally, at the beginning, we faced public skepticism about whether our certification would carry the same value, validity, and weight as that of the public KTEO — despite having more modern equipment and stricter operating standards.
What are your future plans for your business?
The nature of the business itself does not allow for many future plans. However, for a private KTEO, it is particularly important to ensure the continuous upgrading of equipment as well as the training of its staff, so that the quality of the services provided always remains high.
"In what ways did you advertise your business at the beginning, and how do you advertise it now?"
At the beginning, I used magazines, newspapers, printed flyers, and primarily relied on word-of-mouth advertising, as the philosophy of our KTEO is people-centered. I considered it important to maintain personal contact during the early stages of my business’s development.
Now that the business has established a loyal customer base, I primarily use radio advertisements during the holiday seasons to send greetings.
"Would you participate in an ESPA program again?"
Yes, of course, I would be interested in upgrading my business again through ESPA funding as soon as I find the right opportunity.
More info:
IKTEO Xanthi Ltd.
3rd km Xanthi – Lagos
Phone: 2541072424
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
