A small Dundee start-up firm has found itself playing alongside the Premiership’s big guns after securing supply contracts with Manchester United and Everton.
Bell Street-based Littleniggle has also worked with the Renault Formula 1 team after building up an impressive customer base for its wide range of sports performance and rehab products.
The company was formed by husband and wife team Ali and Suzie Grieve three years ago as a way for the couple to earn extra cash as their family grew.
The firm originally traded out of the family’s garage, but demand for the products was such that Ali decided to take the business forward on a full-time basis.
He enlisted the of advisory service Enterprise and Business Gateway and eventually set up the company’s retail and therapy base in Bell Street as well as enhancing its online capability.
“In just three years we have made quite a transformation from working out of our garage part-time, to opening our own clinic and retail unit while combining that with our in-demand online business,” Ali said.
“We have always offered a wide range of products that aren’t available on the high street, to those with sports injuries and various other conditions, but our clinic is an added resource.”
The company’s web presence helped spread word about Littleniggle and eventually some of the biggest names in sport came calling.
“We are very proud of our reputation and we were obviously thrilled when amongst other sports teams, Manchester Utd came to us to source products for their physiotherapy and treatment team."
“We also get a lot of local football and rugby players in and ideally in the next year we will have partnered up with some local teams.
“We have received top advice and support from Business Gateway right from the start, from when we needed help with our business plan to recently helping us market our new venture. “It’s been fantastic to have that support and know that it is always there as we continue to grow and promote our business.”
“Ali had a clear vision of growth opportunities for the business,” said Mike Hamilton of Enterprise and Business Gateway.
“Through hard work, careful business planning and our assistance, Littleniggle is now in a position to achieve significant growth, creating further employment possibilities locally. His premises are providing a much needed resource for the sporting community in Tayside and beyond, and we are delighted to have been part of their success.”
Originally featured in the Dundee Courier, Tuesday 2st January 2014.
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