Business Spotlight – Highland Wedding Candles
This week we introduce a business whose boutique products are certainly lighting up the wedding and events sector.
Highland Wedding Candles, owned by Harry G Hoy and based in Liff, Dundee, offers a range of bespoke luxury candles created for weddings and special events.
Providing table candles, favours and save the date tokens, Harry’s creative background in the design sector means he can use these skills to create his beautiful pieces. For Highland Wedding Candles, details are important, which is why Harry only produces products he is proud of, and that are guaranteed to add the perfect detail to any wedding or special occasion.
To find out more about Highland Wedding Candles, we asked Harry a few questions:
Business owner: Harry G Hoy
Date business started: January 2016
Business tel: 01382 585432
Business address: 1 Neddertoun View, Liff, Dundee, Angus
Website: www.facebook.com/Highland-Wedding-Candles-980390915382975/
1. What did you do before you started your business?
I have worked in the Marketing and Graphic Design sector for over 30 years, training in London. I also had my own design business for over 10 years.
2. What drew you towards your field of business?
My background in Marketing and Design allowed me to bring the skills of design and typography into the designs of the candles and how to package and present the product.
3. What hurdles and challenges have you faced in getting to the stage you are currently at?
Researching availability of good quality wholesale candles at a competitive price. Designing and producing the packaging for the product to ensure it is pitched at the right level. Researching my target market - Weddings. Budgeting for development work to ensure it was money well spent. Developing the product and how it is designed and also being aware of computer hardware and software that is required to allow me to deliver a quality product.
4. How has Elevator and Business Gateway helped you and your business on its journey?
I have had a lot of help from Business Gateway. My Business Adviser Mike Hamilton introduced me to the Innovation Service which gave me a face to face meetings with Specialist Advisers from Scottish Enterprise.
As I result I have had expert help and guidance on a range of IP issues. I also was able to obtain a list of potential suppliers of candles in countries such as Bulgaria and Romania. They also informed me of potential Grants and information on EU Guidelines on candle safety etc. I could never have found about all this information on my own. The service has been fantastic and invaluable in helping me turn my idea into a reality.
5. Since starting your business, if you could have done one thing differently, what would that be?
The only thing is that I only wished that I had seen this opportunity sooner.
6. What aspect of your business have you taken the most pride in since you started?
The aspect of the project that I have taken the most pride in is seeing the product range develop and the brand design coming together. This has been very satisfying.
7. Do you have any entertaining stories or experiences since starting your business, unexpected events, or interesting developments?
I am in discussions with a local jeweler to add a jewellery item to my main product The Eternal Wedding Flame Candle and this although in very early stages looks like a good addition to my product development. I have also engaged a local upholster to look at lining the wine boxes into which my primary product range will be packaged in and this will be interesting to see how it develops.
8. Has the business recently secured significant orders, expanded its premises, taken on new staff, received funding, produced something unique, increased exports, etc.?
It is still very early days and I am looking at April/May launch for the business officially, as I am ongoing with securing funding. I am the only employee so I am looking to build the business at a steady pace, to ensure quality is maintained.
9. What do you love about running your business? Or the sector you work in?
The Wedding Sector is completely new to me but I am excited by my product range and see a real opportunity in this market place to deliver something that is unique and quality driven.
10. What plans do you have for the future of your business?
I have already booked an advertising campaign and I am looking to take some professional photographs of my range of Wedding Candles so that they can be used on the website when ready and other marketing items to promote the business. I want to work in conjunction with other local companies to develop the business and ultimately make it a strong Scottish Brand of quality and distinction.
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