A fledgling Fife textiles business is already supplying its products to over 30 retailers in some of Scotland’s most popular tourism destinations, including Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
Clare O’Neill, of Clare O’Neill Textiles, produces bags, accessories, home wares and children’s clothes, using iconic Harris Tweed fabric.
Business Gateway Fife has been on hand to support Clare as she grows her venture, which is based in a picturesque studio on a local farm, she said:
“I started out in January 2013 and became very busy, very fast. While I have lots of office management experience, and I’m usually very organised, I was so busy fulfilling orders that I began to let that side of the business go.
“Business Gateway Fife has been a fantastic support mechanism and my Business Adviser, Sam Greer, who I now look upon as my mentor, came out to see me and help me get back on track. Sam helped me access support through Fife Council’s Expert Help Programme, which provided me with an expert to advise on my businesses finances, plus Sam sign posted me to the various sources of funding available,” said Clare.
When her husband was first posted to RAF Leuchars in 2010, mother of one, Clare, had no idea that their move to Scotland, from RAF Honington in Suffolk, would also mark an exciting new chapter in her career.
“I’d been working in Human Resources for a few years but prior to that had graduated from Art College with a degree in textiles. My plan was to start designing again when we got here and I soon developed a love for Harris Tweed and began making my own designs,” said Clare.
“I began by exhibiting at a few craft fairs, and then attended bigger shows such as the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate and the Scottish Trade Fair in Glasgow.” Clare was then contacted by a buyer from Kiltane Retail Ltd, a company which owns several shops in Edinburgh City Centre. After placing several large orders, they have now appointed her design maker for their Harris Tweed Handbag collection.
“It was my lucky break and allowed me to really get the business off the ground and purchase better machinery. I have also just taken on our first member of staff, which is really exciting, said Clare.
Sam Greer, Business Adviser, Business Gateway Fife, said: “Clare O’Neill Textiles is a fantastic business with a bright future ahead. We have been working with Clare to provide ongoing advice and support and helped her access an award from the Fife Council Fife Investment Fund.”
Clare said: “Starting my own business is the best thing that I could have done and I’m really excited to see what the future holds. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster and we’ve worked extremely hard but it’s all been worth it.
“The plans for the business are endless but primarily we’re focused on growing our customer base within Scotland and the rest of the UK, and then working towards breaking into the export market over the next couple of years. We expect to take on permanent members of staff during next year and will be looking to build a team of home workers too”
For more information on Clare O’Neill Textiles please visit www.clareoneilltextiles.co.uk