In this episode of Trading Up, host Jim sits down with Peter McAuley, founder of Nomadic Watches, to discuss how he built Northern Ireland’s premier luxury watch brand from the ground up. Launching in Belfast in 2021 with a background in mechanical engineering, Peter set out to challenge established Swiss watchmakers by combining high-precision craftsmanship, accessible luxury, and rich local heritage.

Peter reveals how Nomadic grew from a boot-strapped side project selling 50 watches in its first year to a global business shipping 3,000 timepieces annually across 50 countries. He shares crucial insights on presale funding models, building customer trust through authentic founder storytelling, expanding into physical retail next to Belfast City Hall, and landing major international sponsorships like the United Rugby Championship. Discover how Nomadic transforms Belfast’s industrial engineering heritage into timeless storytelling.

Whether you are a business leader or an investor, tune in to discover key geopolitical risks, the hidden potential of public sector AI transformation, and bold economic predictions for the year ahead.

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