Killearn Manufacturing Business Has its foot on the Gas

 

 

There's a lot to be said about being in the right place at the right time in business. 

 

Alison Patrick of Killearn-based In House Gas Manufacturing Ltd is one such advocate of the maxim.

 

Having trained as a town planner before marrying and moving to West Stirlingshire to settle, she found work as a sales administrator working for a small local firm specialising in the design and assembly of gas generators.

 

Two years down the line, she is now co-owner of the firm, heads up a team of seven employees and is about to embark on ambitious plans to extensively grow the businesses home and international interests.

 

Alison Patrick commented:

 

"The business is presently ticking over nicely. We have a clean, reliable range of products and enjoy a high percentage of repeat business supplying to laboratories, university departments and into the food industry. 

 

We are currently supplying product across the UK as well as overseas into Canada, Egypt, Syria and Iran."

 

Going forward, the In House team have their sights set on a focussed sales strategy.

 

This will centre on harnessing the expertise of re-sellers and distributors across the world as well as utilising scientific re-sale as a market entry point.

 

The industrial market has been identified as ripe for development and there are plans to target the oil, food and drink industries and drive forward the sale of larger generator products.

 

This move makes sense with products ranging in price from £1,700 for a small generator up to £100k for the largest product offering.

 

There are plans also to capitalise on one of the businesses key strengths – service. 

 

Alison continues: 

"In House Gas provides a dedicated installation and service team to ensure that complete support is offered from the planning stage through to installation and annual service. The business also has the capability to provide bespoke systems for special projects."

 

With aspirations to increase turnover by £400,000 in the next three years, In House Gas Manufacturing has been accepted on to the Business Gateway Growth Pipeline programme. 

 

Assistance to investigate international trade opportunities, with web development and through funding to help the business achieve IS0 9000 accreditation are just some of the areas that the business has benefited from.

  

For further information contact Alison Patrick, In House Gas (Manufacturing) Ltd on

Tel: 01360 551 600 

e-mail: info@inhousegas.com|

Web: www.inhousegas.com|

 

   

 

 

Art, Whiskey and Gifts prove the right blend for new Drymen Gallery

 

 

'Good Taste' will soon be a phrase synonymous with the village of Drymen, by Loch Lomond - and for a combination of reasons.

 

Ealain Gallery, already a respected name in the Scottish art business, has put down roots in the village's main street, finding a permanent home after two years on the road promoting and exhibiting contemporary Scottish art across the country.

Having opened to the public on Saturday, 15^th November, and with a stellar line up of artists poised to exhibit this Christmas including Joe Hendry, Mark Holden, Donald MacDonald, Steve Johnston, Dot Walker, Iona Crawford, Ricky Wiatrek, Ritchie Collins, the gallery looks set to draw the crowds this festive period.

 

Not content with providing a feast for the eyes in the form of the established Scottish artists and emerging talent that they plan to showcase, June and Cameron McCann, will, from January 2009, add a whisky gallery offering something to whet the palette of enthusiasts.

 

The gallery will hold regular whisky tasting and master classes, bringing inexperts from the industry to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm with whisky selected from their own range.

 

June McCann explains:

 

"With these fabulous roomy premises, it seemed a natural progression to add another dimension to the business. And in what better form than whisky? Ealain Gallery will hold up and celebrate two of Scotland's finest achievements. We have a tradition of talented Scottish artists – and our Whisky is held in high esteem the world over. Why not allow customers direct access to the two under one roof?

 

Being located in close proximity to Loch Lomond and in the heart of the National Park, the business is ideally placed. With tourists flocking to the location throughout the summer season and with Glasgow and Stirling a stone's throw away, the gallery is guaranteed significant footfall.

 

Adding quality crafts and gifts to the equation in the form of ceramics by Alex Johannsen, glass by Zoe Gadsby and pottery by John Macguire as well as bags, jewellery, cards and children's and baby toys means also that there is plenty to sustain the appetite of visitors and locals as well.

 

A Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Business Gateway client, the McCann's have benefited from FREE business start-up advice and training.

 

*Ealain (Gaelic word for 'art') – the name also reflects June's Gaelic speaking family connections.

 

Ealain Gallery, 36 – 42 Main Street, Drymen, G63 0BG. 

Tel: 01360 660996 
E-mail: info@ealaingallery.com| 

Web: www.ealaingallery.com|

 

 

 

Start-Up Business Takes The Fuss Out Of Furnishing for Buy To Let & First Time Buyers

 

 

Two brothers have put their heads together and come up with a business idea designed to make life easier for first time buyers and those going into the Buy To Let market.

 

Apartment 1, a new business based at Stirling Enterprise Park, Stirling specialise in supplying 'furniture for flats'. Via the company's recently launched website www.apartment1.co.uk customers can pick and choose from a variety of complete furniture packages as well as individual furniture items.

 

Not only will brothers David and Gordon Carnan deliver the furniture, they can also ensure that it is assembled, that all packaging is removed and that the property is staged and ready to welcome prospective tenants. Packages range from £800 for a 1 Bed Property to £1,350 for a 2 Bed.

 

David and Gordon plan to concentrate their efforts on the Central Belt initially but are confident that as word spreads, their services will soon be in demand all over Scotland.

 

Gordon Carnan commented: 

 

"The idea to start up the business grew from my own and David's experiences of working in Property Development and the Buy To Let market down south. After conducting some market research, we soon realised that the Central Belt was an untapped area with huge potential.

 

With new build properties springing up at an ever-increasing rate, Buy To Let mortgages being on the up and Stirling, in particular, having a large student population - our feeling was to strike while the iron was hot – before anyone else did."

 

We want to take the time and stress element out of sourcing good quality, contemporary furniture for people and then having to wait in or take time off work for deliveries. In essence, what we are offering customers is a cost-effective, one-stop solution to their furnishing needs."

 

Apartment1 started up with assistance from Stirling Enterprise (STEP) Business Gateway. The new-start business received help with business start-up advice, grant funding support, property provision, help with website development and assistance to market and promote their services.

 

To contact Apartment 1

Tel: 01786 450196

e-mail: info@apartment1.co.uk 

Web: www.apartment1.co.uk|

 

 

 

Rockhill Coffee House in Buchlyvie open for Business

 

 

A former tearoom in the village of Buchlyvie has been transformed into the Rockhill Coffee House.

 

Husband and wife team, Shane and Michele Basi, might only have been in the driving seat for a couple of months, but the enthusiastic couple haven't wasted any time ringing in the changes. 

 

Michele, who previously ran The Wee Kitchen, a small catering and takeaway outlet adjoining the former tearoom, seized the chance to take over the running of the full premises when the opportunity arose.

 

With the help of husband Shane, who also runs his own joinery business, refurbishing the kitchen and fitting out the premises, didn't seem like such a daunting task.

 

A new menu which places a strong emphasis on fresh and wholesome dishes and a selection of home baking, prepared daily on the premises, are just a few of the features that have been winning favour with locals and tourists alike.

 

A dedicated area displaying and selling work by Graeme Baxter – who's family historically owned and ran the tearoom business - is also in the pipeline, helping give the business an added dimension. 

 

The Rockhill Coffee House is also displaying the work of local artists.

 

Integrating the business more not just with local residents – but with local businesses as well - is a key component of the business plan. The couple are already displaying pottery supplied by The Buchlyvie Pottery Shop and source much of their produce from local shops and producers.

 

There are plans to increase the opening times of the tearoom to include some evenings as well as introduce a regular pensioner's lunch club.

 

Michele Basi commented: 

 

"These last few months have been extremely busy, but the business has got off to a flying start with customers definitely noticing and appreciating the change of approach.

 

We are keen for local Buchlyvie residents to see Rockhill Coffee House as an extension of their local facilities. The premises are available for functions, birthdays and film nights. We would actively encourage people to keep us in mind.

 

"I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank-you to our staff members Laura, Tracey and John, who have worked so hard these last few months. They have been so supportive. Shane and I couldn't have done it without them."

 

Shane and Michele have been able to access a range of business and IT advice on starting up their new venture. Business Gateway Start-Up Adviser, Jim Fraser, has been able to provide advice on employment regulations, book-keeping and signposting the business to relevant partner organisations for expert advice where necessary. 

 

The Rockhill Coffee House, is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and on a Sunday from 10am to 6pm.  

Tel: 01360 850150.

 

 

 

Jordan Shaw

 

What the business does

 

Jordan Shaw are currently working on developing a product called HOB Angel. This is a safety device designed to cut the supply of fuel in the home if cooking times are exceeded. HOB Angel is primarily aimed at people in sheltered housing and buildings of multiple occupancy, students, those with special needs and those suffering from dementia.

 

How we helped

 

Business Gateway has assisted with:

• funding for trade exhibitions
• completion of external funding applications and
• support to develop a business plan 

As a result what has happened?

 

Following considerable interest Jordan Shaw are seeking further funding to developing their prototype.