Business Spotlight – Donside Property Services
For this week’s Business Spotlight, we introduce Donside Property Services, who pride themselves on helping you take pride in your property.
Based in Aberdeenshire, Donside Property Services, owned by Ross Henderson, offer a range of services for your property, which includes Portable Appliance Testing for electric equipment and professional quality photography right through to flat pack furniture assembly.
Ross also likes to take a modern approach to engaging with the consumer, offering vouchers via Ebay for his services. This enables people to easily pay online as Ross utilises the current culture for web-based e-commerce.
To find out more about Donside Property Services, we asked Ross a few questions:
Business owner: Ross Henderson
Date business started: 1/2/16
Business tel: 01467 643149
Business address: Inglewood, Fetternear, Kemnay, Inverurie. AB51 5NA
Website: www.donsideproperty.co.uk
1. What did you do before you started your business?
I was an Engineer and worked in the Oil and Gas Sector, but was made redundant days before Christmas.
2. What drew you towards your field of business?
I have had it in the back of my mind to go into a Property Services business for a while. I have spent the past 2 years doing home improvements on my own house, so I have plenty of hands on experience.
3. What hurdles and challenges have you faced in getting to the stage you are currently at?
The only hurdles so far have been trying to get trained on various new skills. In most cases, such as PAT testing, I have done for many years, but have never had a certificate which says that I can do this.
4. How has Elevator and Business Gateway helped you and your business on its journey?
I have attended workshops run by Business Gateway, plus I have received Business Plan Templates.
5. What aspect of your business have you taken the most pride in since you started?
The logo and website, as well as the quality of the work that I provide.
6. Do you have any entertaining stories or experiences since starting your business, unexpected events, or interesting developments?
I have been helping Instant Neighbour in Aberdeen with their backlog of appliances that require PAT Testing. I have been doing this for 2 hours a week. In that time I have managed to test approx 20 items. These are items that they can then put them on the shop floor to sell.
I also attended a flash photography course with The Basement Studio in Aberdeen. One of the photographs I took was featured in their monthly newsletter as one of the best shots taken by a student on their courses.
7. Has the business recently secured significant orders, expanded its premises, taken on new staff, received funding, produced something unique, increased exports, etc.?
I have received funding from Skills Development Scotland for some training courses. I recently carried out PAT Testing for the music studio, The Rhythm Box, in Kemnay. This was an interesting job to do as it involved testing everything from electric heaters, PCs and guitar amplifiers. I have started discussing PAT testing with the local pharmacy in Kemnay. They sound very interested as they are always willing to support local businesses.
8. What do you love about running your business? Or the sector you work in?
It is very exciting to see it taking shape and also receiving positive replies from some of the local businesses which I contact directly. I also like learning new skills.
9. What plans do you have for the future of your business?
I am planning on adding additional services, such as Domestic Energy Assessments and Electrical Inspections, to the business, but this depends on completing further certifications.
From a wide range of free workshops, through to supporting you every step of your journey, Elevator & Business Gateway can help you launch your business or service with confidence.
Contact your local office now to find out more:
Perth: 01738 448310, RossW@ElevatorUK.com
Dundee: 01382 443400, Margaret@ElevatorUK.com
Aberdeen City & Shire: 01224 289700, Amanda@ElevatorUK.com
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