35 mins, 2007        [password required] Key Topics Enterprise Start-ups Business Planning ICT Many people start up new businesses looking to make money from technology and innovation. But what are the realities of starting a technology-based business? The following case studies illustrate both the possibilities and the pitfalls. SELLING GLASSES ONLINE: Three years ago Jamie was in university. Today he's the boss of £3 million company. The secret of his success - selling glasses direct to customers over the internet. Buying is simple - you just type in your prescription into the website. You can even try out your glasses out online! The big secret, according to Jamie, is start small, grow big. THE MOBILE PHONE BROTHERS: It's got a dodgy image, but two brothers claim to be bringing an "ethical" approach to the mobile phone sales business. The brothers literally started their call centre operation in a bedroom - but got into trouble with the neighbours. But now they're in commercial premises and aim to be the best in the business - by, they say, being honest. THE WEBSITE DESIGNERS: Fed up of working for someone else, Jill and Jonathan set up their own business - Futurate - designing websites. Most of their customers are in the public sector - this means they have to tender for business - a long and difficult process. Things haven't been easy for Futurate - they almost went bust after an important client took their web-design work in-house.