Being made redundant provided the former manager of St Andrews’ Clinton Cards with an opportunity to launch her own business.
Fiona Woodcock was stunned when her bosses rang last September to say she and her staff had just two weeks to clear out their branch which had been deemed ‘safe’ from closure earlier in the year.
Armed with in-depth knowledge of the local greeting card market, gathered during her 10 months working for the international chain, the 28-year-old, from Crail, knew there was still demand for a card shop in the town and decided to set up her own.
After researching how to start a business on www.bgateway.com, and gaining support from Business Gateway Fife through the New Enterprise Allowance scheme, Fiona opened ‘Occasions’ at 68 Market Street, St Andrews, last month (May).
She said: “ In June last year I had been told that the St Andrews branch of Clinton’s wouldn’t close and was due for a refit but when I returned from a big conference in the Autumn I got the call to say we had to clear out the shop in just two weeks. It was a shock; a total nightmare.
“I applied for a number of jobs but decided I didn’t want to travel to Dundee each day to work, and after helping my mum recuperate from an operation I started to research how to set up my own business. I think I read every section on Business Gateway’s website which helped me with my business plan and understanding of employment legislation. It also highlighted what financial assistance I might qualify for.
“I then went to meet with an adviser who helped me with cash flow, marketing, legislation and made some tweaks to my business plan. He also highlighted a range of support, including help from the Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland, which was available to me. His assistance really gave me confidence, and showed me that I had all the skills necessary to start a successful business.”
Alastair Crockett, Business Adviser, Business Gateway said: “Fiona turned losing her job into an opportunity to become her own boss, something she’d never thought about doing before. She’s also created a full-time and part-time position and is looking to take on another member of staff, a former colleague from Clinton’s, in summer. Through one-to-one advice, and information gathered from our online resource, she gained a good understanding of how to run a business which, added to her knowledge of the local greeting card market, has allowed her to open a bustling shop.”
As well as selling a full range of greeting cards and invitations, party and hen night accessories, candles and gifts, ‘Occasions’ also sells balloons and has already branched out into supplying balloon decorations for celebrations and parties.
Fiona said: “Because I already had a good relationship with a wide range of sales reps I was able to bring on board certain card collections and items that I knew were top sellers in Clinton’s. Market research then highlighted a demand for hen night accessories which I have added to our offering. I also wanted to provide a service that no-one else does. The balloon modelling has attracted a lot of attention and we’ve already been out to decorate a silver wedding anniversary party.”
She added: “Losing my job was a nightmare but through the process of setting up on my own I have learnt that I can achieve a lot in a short space of time. Every day the business gets that little bit busier, and because it’s my own shop it doesn’t feel like I am coming into work each day. It’s also great when former Clinton’s customers come in and realise the business is mine.”
For more information on how Business Gateway can help your business grow and prosper visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611. Alternatively contact your local office on 01592 858333.