For Giorgos, his professional involvement with motorcycles and mopeds was almost inevitable, as he comes from a family with a tradition in this field and has essentially created some of his earliest memories in the familiar environment of the workshop.
His connection with motorcycles literally started from his earliest years, but around the age of 10 he began handling tools and helping his father, Mr. Takis, at work. After all, motorcycles were in his DNA from the very beginning.
However, besides being a two-wheeler enthusiast, he also identifies as a child of technology. Looking decisively toward the future, he wanted to leverage modern technological tools and the online world in an industry that until then was largely incompatible with them, when he took over his father’s business in 2013. His goal was to continue and expand what his father had built with hard work and great effort.
At that time, few businesses were involved in retailing motorcycle parts online. However, his friends already active in e-commerce in other sectors encouraged him, and he bravely decided to cautiously enter this new market step by step.
“I could have continued just with the workshop and been perfectly fine. But just being fine wasn’t enough for me. I saw the business opportunity and chased it, without being at all sure of the outcome.”
He started alone, armed with just a laptop to run his online store. When, after about two years of hard work and taking advantage of every promotional opportunity that came his way, the business began to bear fruit, it was time to take the next step.
“At first, I built the e-shop. And when I needed support for its implementation, I decided to take advantage of some of the NSRF (ESPA) programs.“
George Tamias’ business implemented the “Digital Step” action, through which expenses were funded for new equipment to serve both the physical and online store, customer management software, as well as staff for managing and supporting the e-commerce activity.
As George himself states, the decision to digitally upgrade the business with funding from the ESPA program proved crucial for its development. With the equipment and systems acquired through the initiative, he managed to make his work and daily routine easier. By integrating the customer management software with his e-shop, enabling real-time monitoring and management of spare parts and accessories inventory, and facilitating better organization of the team’s daily tasks, the business gained competitive advantages that make it stand out. Today, it can process and ship all orders on the same day, remain constantly available to customers for improved service using the tools at its disposal, and offer its products at attractive prices thanks to effective inventory management.
The company’s online store, motohousetamias.gr now generates 75% of its revenue, and George has completely stepped away from the technical side and repair work on mopeds. He has taken on the role of coordinator for the staff working in the workshop and the e-shop.
“Today, the e-shop is the main focus of my business. With the systems I have at my disposal, I can handle a large number of orders, so I continue to invest in it. Without the CRM, the equipment, and all the tools I acquired through the ‘Digital Step’ program, I wouldn’t have reached the point I am at today.”
George collaborated with the Competitiveness of SMEs Sector team at ena Development Consultants for his participation in the program. The application submission was managed by Evi Voivatopoulou, Coordinator of Development for the Competitiveness of SMEs Sector, while the implementation of the investment plan was handled by Sofia Argyriadou, Development Consultant for the Competitiveness of SMEs Sector and a member of the Marketing Department at ena Development Consultants.
George has also trusted ena Development Consultants for submitting an application under the action “Support for businesses to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace” (Action 3d.5-6.2) within the framework of the Operational Program “Eastern Macedonia and Thrace” 2014-2020.
“My experience working with ena Development Consultants has been nothing but excellent. All the procedures for submitting and implementing the program were carried out properly. For this reason, ena will be the one I choose again the next time I participate in an investment program.”
According to George, funding programs greatly help and support the modern entrepreneur because they provide an important incentive for expansion, renewal, and growth of the business, allowing him to invest with greater security knowing that part of the cost is reimbursed through these actions. He plans to continue investing in his business, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by national and European funding programs.
“For the future of my business, I have big plans. I want to gradually start importing on my own, as well as creating my own branded products.”
*The “Digital Step” initiative is part of the Operational Programme Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation under ESPA 2014-2020, and has benefited hundreds of small and very small businesses throughout Greece by supporting their digital upgrade efforts.
The business of Giorgos Tamias is a shining example of leveraging appropriate funding tools for the essential digital upgrade and ultimately the digital transformation available to the modern entrepreneur. As digital transformation will continue to be a key driver of business growth in the coming years, dozens of funding actions support expenses in this direction.
Check out the ongoing “Digital Transformation of SMEs” initiative to boost your own business.
Remember how the business of Mr. Roussos Venediktos benefited from a previous support initiative for its digital upgrade in Business story #9: e-Retail – Kapadyo.gr..
The Marketing team of ena Development Consultants participated in the creation of the 16th Business Story. We warmly thank Giorgos Tamias for his cooperation, hospitality, and all the information he shared with us.
Motohouse Tamias - Giorgos Tamias
26 Kapnergaton Street, Xanthi
2541071587, 698763100
