Knowing your business is ready to grow is one thing; putting in place a strategy to manage that expansion can often be quite another.
At Business Gateway we know exactly what needs to be done to take your business to the next level. Our team of advisers, many of whom have run their own business or held senior positions within industry, have helped hundreds of businesses to do just that.
So if you are looking to grow your business through the development of new products, by increasing your market share or creating a partnership or joint venture with another business we are here to help.
In addition to one to one advice, Business Gateway offers online support through the website www.bgateway.com and a programme of free workshops that focus on the issues that matter to the Scottish business community.
One company that has benefited from Business Gateway’s extensive support network is The Just Slate Company.
With growing sales, an increased product range and a successful push into the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Europe and South Korea, there is no doubt the Fife business is continuing to make its mark on the Scottish business scene.
With support from Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise, The Just Slate Company, which hand makes home and tableware products from slate in Kirkcaldy, has undergone a rapid period of expansion since being bought by Donny Carstairs in 2006.
Over the years the business has secured high-profile clients – including chefs Martin Wishart and Gordon Ramsay as well as Harrods and Selfridges – grown staff numbers from five to 35 and generated a significant increase in annual turnover each year.
“The company has come a long way and Business Gateway has provided first class support in a number of key areas,” said Donny. “Our adviser has provided guidance on a range of issues. His support helped the team take the business on to a new level, access new markets and boost sales.”
“We have attended a number of international gift shows thanks to funding support from Scottish Development International and as a result we have now increased our sales force to 120 reps in the United States and secured a contract with Saks Fifth Avenue.
Business Gateway adviser, David Howie, added: “As a seasoned businessman, Donny spotted the potential of Just Slate and has worked hard to build a brand that is synonymous with quality, style and tradition. Over the years we have worked with him to grow the business and our guidance has helped the company raise its profile internationally.”
“When I bought the company it was losing money,” continued Donny. “It took two years to change the range and get the customers we wanted in front of us. Preserving the brand has always been upmost in my mind when deciding who to supply. I don’t want the product to become a commodity that won’t be around in five years and that is why we’ve turned down some well-known volume retailers.”
To find out how Business Gateway can help you, visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611.
