Latest news with #DSLBusinessFinance
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
CL Golf owner gets into business for the love of the game
The three-bay venue has been supported by a £15,000 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's start up loans programme, giving Mr Murray the opportunity for a career shift into what has been a life-long passion. Why did you take the leap into starting your own business? I have been playing golf for 39 years now after taking the game up at the age of 10 when I joined Dalbeattie Golf Club as a junior, and progressed from there. I decided to open the business after reflecting on my career to date and what the future looked like for me and my family. I wanted to work in the golf industry doing something that I am passionate about. I was previously a full-time retail store manager and my employers have let me drop down to part-time hours to run CL Golf. And why indoor golf in particular? I had thought of opening my own golf studio a few years ago after using one of the Trackman simulators. We use the Trackman iO launch monitor, which first came out in 2023. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), it offers players hyper-realistic graphics, instant feedback on swing data, and the ability to virtually play over 300 of the world's most iconic courses, including Royal Troon and the Old Course at St Andrews. So this is for serious golfers? No, not necessarily. What we offer is a space where everyone is welcome. We have a diverse range of customers from children starting out to avid golfers trying to improve their overall game. We have also had interest from a local school about using the facilities, which would be great. We want our customers to come in and have a fun time and leave with a smile on their face. There are no pressures of someone looking over your shoulder and saying you're doing this wrong or that wrong, you need a lesson, or any of that. Our only question when they leave is "Did you have fun and enjoy yourself?" The Trackman equipment at CL Golf offers detailed swing analysis (Image: Supplied) But isn't the modern game all about the numbers? For those who are more serious, the AI provides motion analysis of your swing dynamics for comprehensive insights into your swing mechanics. This gives you both static and dynamic aspects of your body movements, giving you visual clarity. Using the camera function you can play in slow motion or real time and really get into the detail of your swing. It's a really is a very impressive coaching aid. How has CL Golf been received by the paying public? All of our customers have been very positive. Everyone who comes into the studio is blown away with the technology and quality of the Trackman iO systems, and also the set-up we have here in the bays. We have a lot of repeat customers. What makes you so passionate about the game? I always loved playing golf and being involved with the game. There have been so many good memories that I have captured along the way. Golf doesn't just mean playing the game – it gives you so much more like social skills, interactions, building friendships, having etiquette, and being honest and respectful to others. The list could go on and on. I also love golf because it always makes you want to improve on your last game, and it brings people together from all walks of life and gives us all something in common. I love the competition and playing against different golf courses. Golf has given me social skills from a young age and has given me transferable skills that have carried on throughout my life. It is also great for stress relief.
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New Dumfries golf simulator business offers chance to take on world-famous courses
CL Golf is the brainchild of Ross Murray and caters for all ages and abilities. A new golf simulator business has opened in Dumfries. Champions Links Golf (CL Golf) offers people the chance to test their skills on world-famous courses. The three-bay venue on Academy Street caters for all ages and abilities, with a variety of fun-focused games. CL Golf is the brainchild of golf enthusiast Ross Murray and has been made possible thanks to a £15,000 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme. Ross said: 'There's nothing quite like the feeling of hitting a great shot, and I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy that – regardless of experience. 'Whether you're just getting into the game or have been playing for years, CL Golf is about enjoying it your way. 'The simulators are incredibly accurate and give personalised feedback in a relaxed environment, which takes the pressure off. It's the perfect place to practice what you've picked up from YouTube or just come along for a bit of fun.' Ross was inspired by a lifelong love of golf to swap his career as a store manager in retail to launch the venture – which is all about playing for fun. The AI powered Trackman i0 system provides incredibly realistic graphics, instant feedback on swing data and the chance to virtually play more than 300 iconic courses – including Open venues Royal Troon and the Old Course at St Andrews. There are also interactive mini-games, making it ideal for casual players, families and groups of friends. Ross's use of AI puts him ahead of the curve, with new research by Start Up Loans, conducted by YouGov, revealing that just 36 per cent of microbusinesses currently use AI tools, and only a third of smaller business owners have even a basic understanding of the technology. Loan officer at DSL Business Finance, Lindsay Hamilton, said: 'It was a pleasure working with Ross to help him achieve his dream. 'He is clearly passionate about golf and it's great that DSL Business Finance have been able to support him to develop this passion into a business that will definitely bring something new and different to the local community.'
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
First-generation Orkney farming couple target further growth
Their farm, A&M Jenkins, now manage 200 ewes across 180 acres and has recently completed its busiest lambing season yet, welcoming 300 new additions this spring. This has been possible after taking on additional land last year and loan support from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme. Alex, who spent more than 20 years as a gamekeeper in Aberdeenshire, didn't grow up on a farm but spent his youth around farming families and working with livestock and machinery on sporting estates, sparking an ambition for a career in agriculture. He and Marie are now part of a growing group of first-generation farmers, with a recent study by the University of Exeter finding that around 13% of UK farmers have entered the sector without a family background in it. 'We'd talked about starting our own farm for years, but it always felt out of reach," Alex said. "Our love for Orkney led us to originally buy the croft as a holiday home, but over time, we realised it had the potential to be something much bigger. "It's been tough at times – there's a lot to learn, and no two days are the same – but we've built it together and that makes it really rewarding. The funding for the tractor was a huge help and it's already making a big difference – it's one of those investments that saves you time, labour, and money all at once.' As well as running the farm business, Alex has been contracting for other farms on the island, including fencing and shearing work. The couple hope to eventually introduce cattle and continue growing the business, with the aim of potentially purchasing a larger farm on the island in the future. Price pledge as Glasgow's £300m heating scheme takes shape Construction of the South Clyde Energy Centre is under way in Glasgow (Image: Gren)
The Herald Scotland
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New coffee roastery launches on remote Scottish peninsula
Located on the Applecross Peninsula – one of the most scenic stretches of the North Coast 500 – the micro-roastery will supply roasted beans to local cafés, restaurants, and shops starting this month. The new venture has already secured wholesale partnerships with the Michelin Guide-recommended Walled Garden restaurant, Applecross Campsite, Applecross Bothy, and the Applecross Inn. Retail bags will also be available at A&J Brown Grocers, with additional partnerships in the works. READ MORE: Mr Davidson moved to Applecross in 2018 and discovered his passion for coffee during the Covid pandemic. With more time on his hands, he began taste testing beans from around the world and learning the roasting process. After completing a training course at the Scottish Barista Academy in 2023, he is now in the process of transforming part of the commercial kitchen at Applecross Campsite – where he also works – into a fully functioning roastery. To support the launch of the business, David has secured a £3,500 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, helping cover the costs of initial stock and equipment. Sourcing its beans from ethical importers Covoya, the roastery focuses on high-quality, sustainable coffee from countries including Colombia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Mr Davidson has also teamed up with local creative Valerie Hodgkinson, co-owner of Applecross Croft, to design the brand's logo and visual identity. He said: 'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about. Starting the business has been a great learning experience, and the support from DSL Business Finance with my business plan and cash flow forecasts has been invaluable. In the next five years, I hope Applecross Roastery becomes a staple in the area, supplying premium coffee across the peninsula and beyond. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, and I'm grateful to be part of such a welcoming community.' Looking ahead, Mr Davidson hopes to expand the business by growing his customer base along the North Coast 500, introducing more visitors to the flavours of Applecross. Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided more than £4.4m to start ups in the Highland local authority area. Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'David's shift from hobbyist to entrepreneur is a brilliant example of how smaller businesses can start from humble beginnings and go on to have a big impact on rural communities. Applecross Roastery not only introduced a new supply chain to the area but also helps support other businesses, boosting the local economy. We're pleased to support David and look forward to seeing his business grow.'
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Dramatic stretch of famed North Coast 500 route gains unique coffee roastery
'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about' – David Davidson, founder Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A micro coffee roastery has been set up on one of the most scenic stretches of the iconic North Coast 500 route. David Davidson, founder of Applecross Roastery, is bringing specialty coffee to the northwest Highlands after turning his lockdown hobby into a fully-fledged business venture. Located on the Applecross peninsula, accessed by the dramatic Pass of the Cattle road, the new roastery will supply roasted beans to local cafés, restaurants and shops. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The venture has already secured wholesale partnerships with the Michelin Guide-recommended Walled Garden restaurant, Applecross Campsite, Applecross Bothy and the Applecross Inn. Retail bags will also be available at A&J Brown Grocers, with additional partnerships said to be in the works. David Davidson, founder of Applecross Roastery. Davidson moved to the area in 2018 and discovered his passion for coffee during the pandemic. With more time on his hands, he began taste testing beans from around the world while learning the roasting process. After completing a training course at the Scottish Barista Academy in 2023, he is now in the process of transforming part of the commercial kitchen at Applecross Campsite - where he also works - into a fully functioning roastery. To support the launch of the business, Davidson has secured funding from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, helping cover the costs of initial stock and equipment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Davidson said: 'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about. Starting the business has been a great learning experience, and the support from DSL Business Finance with my business plan and cash flow forecasts has been invaluable. 'In the next five years, I hope Applecross Roastery becomes a staple in the area, supplying premium coffee across the peninsula and beyond. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, and I'm grateful to be part of such a welcoming community.' The roastery is focusing on high-quality, sustainable coffee from countries such as Colombia, Rwanda and Tanzania - sourcing its beans from ethical importer Covoya. Davidson has also teamed up with local creative Valerie Hodgkinson, co-owner of Applecross Croft, to design the brand's logo and visual identity. Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided more than £4.4 million to fledgling businesses in the Highlands area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'David's shift from hobbyist to entrepreneur is a brilliant example of how smaller businesses can start from humble beginnings and go on to have a big impact on rural communities. 'Applecross Roastery not only introduced a new supply chain to the area but also helped support other businesses, boosting the local economy. We're pleased to support David and look forward to seeing his business grow.'
