It’s Time for Business at Second Hand Clocks
It’s ‘time’ for a new trend in this week’s Business Spotlight, as we examine Nikcy Baillie’s business, Second Hand Clocks, based in Errol, Perthshire.
Since being launched in February 2014, Second Hand Clocks builds custom made clocks for clients – but with a difference. Nikcy’s clocks are constructed out of almost any object or material you can imagine, resulting in a bespoke, creative and very exciting product that reflects the client or their business. Nikcy’s clocks have already been very well received in the local market and online and Nikcy has aspirations to see the clocks take off as a trend.
Examples of Second Hand Clocks’ eye-catching creative work include making products for business clients out of a hard hat, mini wheelie bin, toilet seat and even a piece of metal racking. Nikcy’s skills can also be enjoyed by the general public too, with clocks having been made from such items as vintage cigarette tins, an old whisky container, and even the original pages of a 1965 ‘Autosport’ magazine. Nikcy counts celebrities such as Peter Jones (from Dragon’s Den) and DJ Chris Evans as customers.
Nikcy takes great pride in how unique the finished product is, she said:
“The only other bespoke business clock manufacturers make them with logos stuck behind a coloured plastic clock face, while I find out what the businesses are trying to portray. I use humour if I can, and props such as shredded paper, old cogs, bottles, and old plans.”
Second Hand Clocks also marks a big step for Nikcy towards realising her dreams of running her own successful business:
“Previously, I worked in various companies, doing a variety of jobs usually within customer services. I wasn’t happy and had always wanted to work for myself. I wanted to create freedom to do what I wanted, when I wanted.”
“I also want to increase my client base every week and get so busy that I need to hire someone to help me, probably with the accounting and admin and media side of things.”
While things have taken off nicely for Second Hand Clocks, Nikcy recalls the challenges she has overcome in establishing her businesses:
“I am still looking for business which is not easy. It's an unusual product so the best way to sell it to people is to make the clock first, which costs me time and money. The hardest part for me is approaching customers with my idea as I feel I don't want to put people on the spot. I have found, though, that most people love what I have made and want to buy more than one.”
Business Gateway have never been far away offering support and advice whenever she needed it. Nikcy adds:
“I have been on lots of Business Gateway courses, and have listened to and met some very interesting and informed people. Business Gateway has been like a safety net for me- I have never felt alone, and that has been invaluable.”
Nikcy also notes how she has benefitted from attending Business Gateway’s Women Into Business sessions:
“WIB has been an invaluable source of information and networking for me. The speakers have always taught me new tips and hints. I really appreciate the time and effort put into all of these events. You just never know who you are going to meet and what interesting businesses will be there. I would recommend WIB to any lady even considering starting a business."
Second Hand Clocks has much to look forward to. With plans to expand into a purpose built workshop, and word of her creative designs continuing to gather momentum, things are definitely looking bright.
At this point in time Nikcy is continuing to enjoy her new career path, doing a job that she loves. Meanwhile, the question that might now spring to mind for the rest of us, and one which mirrors Second Hand Clocks’ tagline could be, “I wonder what my clock would look like?”
Second Hand Clocks
Bowerview, High Street, Errol, PH2 7QQ
01821 641139/07592 947793
second-hand-clocks@outlook.com
www.second-hand-clocks.co.uk
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