My working life..

Oct 10 2008

Roman Rock, founder of Bedlam Paintball

It was his own passion for adrenaline-rush sports which led Roman Rock to found Bedlam Paintball in 1990.

Previous ventures in video rental, sunbeds and photo developing gave him the seed money to start the company. Today it hosts more than 20,000 players and is the biggest operator in Scotland.

The Bedlam Group also runs a booking agency, Nationwide Paintball, which has access to more than 100 sites in the UK.

He said: "No two weeks are the same - which is just the way I like it."

At the moment Rock is scouring the country for suitable new paintball arenas. He said: "Ideal land for use as a paintball site is two or three acres and includes a varied terrain, with some woodland and water to facilitate a variety of themed games. Leasing such land to us can be an easy way for farmers to earn income from land unsuitable for agricultural use."

During the week Bedlam hosts a range of corporate customers on team building exercises or incentives days.

Though weekends can be busy with stag parties Bedlam has also expanded into youth products to open up new markets. Rock said: "A product called Game Bedlam for under 18 year olds is proving particularly popular with school rugby and football teams."

A keen networker Rock has recently become a member of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

He said: "I joined to access its range of professional advice and support.

"We also aim to explore opportunities for expansion into international markets."

Promotions with Hollywood blockbuster films are another way Rock is promoting the business.

He said: "We recently ran a pioneering promotional deal with Sony Pictures for the launch of Sylvester Stallone's Rambo DVD."