From False Teeth To Vintage Military Equipment, With Some Business Support In Between
This week for our Business Spotlight, we will be looking at a business that instead of looking to the future, looks to the past - in terms of its products at least. Brian Cheyne, founder of Collecting The World’, is an example of someone who turned their hobby and passion into a business.
Brian’s business, Collecting The World was borne from his passion for antiques and collectables. Working as a chartered accountant within the Oil and Gas industry for 30 years, collecting, restoring and dealing in antiques had always bubbled away in his spare time. After taking early retirement, this hobby was ignited further and Brian decided to make the leap into becoming his own boss.
Brian started Collecting The World in 2009, trading in a very wide range of items, including ceramics, sporting goods, furniture, pictures, furniture, coins, tools, glass, militaria and almost anything else you can imagine (and things you wouldn’t imagine like false teeth!) These items are spread throughout the four rooms of Brians current shop in Newmachar, giving customers the opportunity to step back in time and browse a very intriguing and colourful collection. Previously Brian operated a successful and popular weekend collectables shop at Haddo House and it was this success that encouraged Brian to rent premises in Newmachar.
Driven by Brian's passion and knowledge, this is more than just a shop. Brian offers a finders service for customers looking for those elusive products. Collecting The World also offers advice on item values and the best places to sell, as well as a monthly newsletter outlining new stock and updates for those looking to stay on top of Brian’s varied and changing products.
Brian adds:
“My customers tell me my business is very different from the few other collectables/antiques businesses in the area because of the very large and diverse stock. My stock is changing regularly as I change items so there are always new things to see. I also enjoy meeting the other collectors the business brings me into contact with.”
Brian is also grateful for the support Business Gateway have given him in allowing him to turn his hobby into an operating business:
“Business Gateway advisers have helped support me in business development aspects such as planning and growth strategies. I also have attended a couple of website courses. The advisers have hands on experience, and have seen it and done it , and are great at helping me get my business where I want it to go.”
“I have found the Business Gateway training sessions very useful, as well as the networking aspect meeting fellow business operators and sharing experiences.”
Brian’s adviser, Karen Stewart of Business Gateway says:
“I’ve met with Brian a number of times since he started turning his hobby into his business. He attended Business Gateway workshops to learn about marketing, to find out how best to promote and grow his business. He’s the man to go to if you’re searching for an unusual and unique gift or keepsake as he has a wealth of knowledge about collectables and furniture restoration.”
So where in the business journey is Collecting The World at currently? Brian is determined to continue to reach out with his products, and expand the reach of his business:
“I am always looking for new outlets to sell goods and to build on my presence at Touched By Scotland Gallery at Oyne, Gallery 1 in Inverurie and Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen.”
“I want to keep growing my business and wish to secure larger premises and also more outlets where I can sell my goods on commission. The Newmachar shop is now getting established and I am seeing repeat business from collectors, locals and visitors.”
To find out more about Collecting the World please visit Brian’s Facebook page, or contct via phone on 01651 872 355 or 07796 930 203.
Brian’s Newmachar shop, at 33 Oldmeldrum Road, Newmachar is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 til 5pm
At Business Gateway, we love helping you take your passions from hobby to business. To find out what we can do for you, just give us a call on 01224 289 725 in Aberdeenshire, or 01382 443 400 in Tayside.
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