Latest news with #StartUpLoans
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scots hospitality firm expects 'busier than ever' summer
The firm has used £20,000 of funding from the British Business Bank's Start Up loans programme to expand its headquarters in Sanquhar. Mr Gallacher, who set up Knockenhair in 2023, followed in the footsteps of his grandmother Nancy, who ran a similar business in the catering sector for 30 years before retiring in 2015. He studied professional cooking and hospitality management at Dumfries and Galloway College and started his own cake-making venture before deciding to take the family back to its hospitality roots. His grandmother, now 79, remains on hand as a source of advice and to test the firm's renowned strawberry tarts, of which more than 6,000 were made last year. Read more: Mr Gallacher said: 'While I was much too young to help out, I have fond memories of spending my weekends and school holidays pottering about in my gran's commercial kitchen and getting a taste of how the business worked – as well as trialling the recipes. Going to college to study hospitality was the obvious choice for me after finishing school and, following stints working in a couple of local bars and pubs, I felt that the time was right to give the catering business a go. 'The prep kitchen that my gran had used was still in decent condition, but now that I'm a couple of years into running the business, it feels like a good time to upgrade some of the equipment and increase the size of the space. It is still very much a family venture, and it is great to be able to get my gran's advice and also pick up again with some of the regular customers that she catered for years before. 'This summer we expect to be busier than ever with weddings and corporate events, covering everywhere from Glasgow to Carlisle.' Knockenhair Hospitality now has a team of 20 people and, further to the kitchen refurbishment, has plans to increase its footprint further in the coming years. Mr Gallacher was named young entrepreneur at the Dumfries and Galloway Life Awards in November. The Start Up Loans programme has now provided more than £75 million of funding to businesses in Scotland, with 8,000 loans provided to entrepreneurs. Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'Hospitality has been one of the core sectors that we have supported through the Start Up Loans programme in Scotland, so it is fitting to see the £75m milestone celebrated with Knockenhair Hospitality. The success to date highlights the effectiveness of the programme in addressing regional imbalances and access to finance among smaller businesses, which are of huge importance to the Scottish economy – particularly in rural communities.'
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.'
Business News Wales
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wellness Studio Launches in Cardiff With Start Up Loan Support
A new wellness concept is opening its doors in Cardiff thanks in part to £50,000 of Start Up Loans finance. Founded by 27-year-old Kelly Powling, OREN Wellness offers a premium space for movement, recovery and community. The studio specialises in reformer pilates, mat pilates, yoga and barre, alongside recovery therapies such as infrared saunas, red light therapy, and ice baths. OREN is also the first studio in Cardiff to offer on-demand reformer pilates, which allows clients to book solo sessions and follow expert-led workouts via a touchscreen kiosk and wireless headphones during off-peak hours. 'The idea for OREN started when I noticed how limited the reformer pilates options were in Cardiff', explains Kelly. 'But the more I researched, the more I realised this city was missing more than just one type of class. It needed a space that prioritised wellbeing as a whole, not just workouts. That's where the vision for OREN really came to life.' With a background in social media marketing, events, and brand building, Kelly already had a strong local following. She's the founder of Fierce Femmes, a 4,500-strong community for women, co-owns Penny's Podcast Studio in South Wales, and runs the @cardifffoodie blog, where she's collaborated with more than 100 independent businesses. To support the launch of OREN, Kelly secured a Start Up Loan through the British Business Bank, providing the funding needed to turn her studio concept into a fully operational business. Kelly and her co-director applied for two loans of £25,000 each, which were received in stages to help manage their cash flow. The funding covered critical early-stage costs, including the unit deposit, reformer beds, interior design, legal fees, branding, and equipment for their bespoke recovery suite. 'The Start Up Loan was absolutely essential in bringing OREN to life', says Kelly. 'It gave us the momentum and means to move forward confidently, and the process itself was so much more human than I expected. Our loan advisor was incredible – supportive, accessible and genuinely invested in our success.' Beyond funding, the pair also received access to business mentoring and ongoing guidance, which Kelly says 'made all the difference' in those early months. The studio plans to partner with like-minded local businesses, complementary brands, and content creators. Looking ahead, Kelly is ambitious about what OREN can bring to the city. 'OREN is about more than just exercise – it's a lifestyle. We're creating a space that helps people slow down, reset, and feel better in every sense. That's the future of wellness, and we're so excited to be a part of shaping it in Cardiff.' Jess Phillips-Harris, Senior Manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said: 'OREN is a fantastic example of how Start Up Loans can help turn vision into reality. Kelly and her team have built something truly special – a business that not only meets demand but brings real value to the community. We're proud to support passionate founders just like her who are helping to redefine established sectors with purpose and creativity.'
The Herald Scotland
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Island's first speciality coffee house to open new roastery
A loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, along with funding support from Business Gateway and the SJ Noble Trust, helped cover the renovation costs, including fitting upgraded windows and doors. A new multi-purpose workshop will house the coffee roastery, which will use a cutting-edge, eco-friendly Aillio Bullet micro-electric roaster to create in-house signature coffee blends. The space will also serve as a venue for events, workshops, and classes, building on the café's role as a community hub. READ MORE: Food and drink veteran unveils plans for growth at Scottish ethical coffee firm Appeal bid for 'coffee stops' on Scotland-England border rejected Don't be a sheep when it comes to chains like Blank Street Coffee Once completed this summer, the new space will triple seating capacity from eight to 24, offering outdoor seating where customers can relax in the sun-trapped private courtyard. Mhairi Mackenzie said: 'The aim is to create a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and enjoy great coffee. Securing funding to support the expansion plans is an exciting step forward, not just for our business, but for the whole community. Mhairi Mackenzie with coffee roaster (Image: Supplied) "We're proud to collaborate with local suppliers through the Bute Kitchen initiative, which helps support the island's economic regeneration by promoting local produce. Our menu features baked goods from nearby bakers, smoked trout and cheeses from Isle of Bute Smoke House, and chutneys and preserves from Gather Deli and Bute Produce. 'Sustainability and high social and environmental standards are very important to us, and we're working towards achieving B Corp certification for the café in the near future to reflect these values. Being the first on the island to roast our own coffee is something we're really excited about, and we can't wait to hear feedback from our lovely customers.' Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'It's fantastic to see Isle of Bute Coffee expanding its offering and creating even more opportunities for locals and tourists to connect, while enjoying the island's vibrant community spirit. Mhairi's dedication to supporting the area shines through in everything she does. This is a brilliant example of how the Start Up Loans programme can empower smaller businesses to thrive and make a real difference to the local economy.'
