I have been a successful surf and sports retailer for 27 years, at one point owning and running 8 stores simultaneously, with a total of 35 staff. I have owned a total of 26 stores, most of which were sold on for a profit. I have been involved in every aspect of setting up and running retail stores, from finding suitable locations, engaging with landlords, negotiating favourable leases, shop-fitting, hiring and training staff, buying, merchandising, marketing, strategy, financial controls, payroll, budgets and sales.