Fruits in the City and Streetwork have fresh ideas this year

Vulnerable people throughout Edinburgh have been given a fresh start  this year thanks to a collaboration between a Leith-based workplace fruit delivery company and a local charity.

“Fruits in the City have been providing our crisis service on Holyrood Road with leftover fruit on a weekly basis,” said Jackie Brown, Fundraising and Relationship Manager, from the charity Streetwork UK.

The Edinburgh-based charity offers immediate crisis support for homeless people while encouraging them to make use of a range of support services with the ultimate goal of achieving life off the streets. Jackie continued:- “Jamie Henderson of Fruits in the City approached us to offer his company’s support – a clear demonstration of his generosity, his forward thinking and his interest in the wider scope of activities taking place in Edinburgh. He is also one of the cheeriest people I’ve ever worked with which is a real plus!”

Fruits in the City supply a tempting selection of fresh and healthy fruit boxes and baskets to Edinburgh and Glasgow’s office workforce. The company has exacting standards when it comes to the quality, size and appearance of the fruit that is delivered to customers. It also has a commitment to continuously improving its environmental credentials. By donating fruit to charity, Fruits in the City achieve two objectives; the company helps to directly benefit the local people who use the Streetwork facility and also minimises the wastage of fruit that – save the odd blemish or being a little smaller than average – is otherwise perfect.

Jamie Henderson, founder of Fruits in the City, explains, “The fruit that we donate is perfectly edible, it just hasn’t met our company’s strict quality control standards. Our donations could include undersized bananas, for example, or fruit that may ripen too quickly.” And Streetwork’s Jackie Brown is quick to agree, “The fruit that we receive is fantastic quality and provides a healthy and nutritious addition to our service users’ diets.”

Streetwork is not the only local charity to benefit from such donations. Jamie has come up with a novel solution to ensure that as little as possible goes to landfill each week. And the animals and exotic birds at Edinburgh Zoo are certainly not complaining!

“It’s vitally important that zoo animals receive a species-appropriate diet,” says Darren McGarry, Animal Collection Manager at Edinburgh Zoo. “Fresh fruit forms an important part of the diet – both in terms of taste and nutritionally – for lots of different creatures from Bali starlings to Buff-cheeked gibbons. And the regular donations that we receive from Fruits in the City provide a welcome addition to our food stores and help supplement the animals’ regular diet of vegetables and seeds.”

You need QMU!

Queen Margaret University is working in partnership with small business. So how exactly can they help your business?

QMU has a range of academic expertise to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome barriers to growth and survival and to realise business opportunitiess. Our experienced business development team provides a link between academics and SMEs. We understand the environment in which smaller companies are operating and can provide access to grants which can fund strategic developments.

With key strengths in the areas of food, drink and tourism, QMU is well equipped to provide specialist support to companies working within these industries. The University is able to harness its expertise in key areas of business to provide SMEs with access to academic know-how, intellectual property and well as outstanding facilities such as laboratories and clinics for scientific testing.

Food and drink is one particular area of expertise. Already a number of food producers have benefited from QMU’s scientific and nutritional knowledge. For example, we have provided Belhaven Fruit Farm in East Lothian with valuable nutritional information which has played a pivotal role in the on-going promotion of its innovative ad healthy ‘IceDelight’ iced dessert.

Another excellent example of a recent innovation project saw the collaboration of the well-known Scottish food manufacturer, Macsween of Edinburgh with QMU. Macsween which produces haggis for the retail, wholesale and food service sector, required assistance with the development of a range of premium quality ‘one minute’ convenience meat products. As specialists in food and drink and with expertise in nutritional science and consumer issues, QMU provided a good fit with Macsween.

The company had significant expertise in food manufacture as well as knowledge of the convenience food market sector, but, for this project, it required external specialists to conduct a series of consumer testing trials. This provided them with vital feedback on areas such as taste and texture, as well as information which would help them develop packing design including ease of use, cooking method; product size and price.

Fiona Bathgate, Quality Manager at Macsween of Edinburgh, confirmed: “The collaboration with QMU worked very well. The University’s involvement in the consumer testing of our new microwave Black Pudding was beneficial in the success of this product.”

Sheena Devlin, Innovation Manager at QMU, explained: “Often small businesses have great ideas for how they can develop their businesses and are very innovative but require specialist areas of support to validate their product ideas. QMU’s academic experts can dedicate time, attention and new skills to resolve problems and help develop new ideas and pathways. Importantly, advice is also available to companies on the availability of new funding streams which can support project development.”

She continued: “The exchange of knowledge between businesses and academics is a win-win situation. It allows businesses to access specialist academic knowledge and skills as well as University business support managers. In turn, academics are kept abreast of developments in modern business which they can then feed into their teaching practice ensuring that students gain industry relevant knowledge.”

Sheena said: “We know that QMU has many graduates working in Scotland and beyond who might be unaware that the University offers this type of business support. We are eager to re-connect with graduates who are now working in connected industries and help them develop their businesses.”

QMU’s engagement with SMEs is delivered through a Knowledge Exchange partnership involving Edinburgh Napier and St Andrews Universities. This initiative is supported by the Scottish Government’s SEEKIT Programme, the European Regional Development Fund and by the three partner universities.

Whether you are a QMU graduate hoping to develop your business, or a general member of the Scottish business community, QMU would like to talk to you about your business development needs. For an informal chat call Sheena Devlin on T: 0131 474 0000 or E: sdevlin@qmu.ac.uk

Leith Shop Idol – Deadline today!

 

Leith businesses are being urged to submit their application for ‘best dressed’ shop front as the closing date is today.

Applications to be Leith’s Shop Idol are being accepted until close of business this afternoon. After the closing date, businesses will then be asked to transform their window display before ‘Windows Week’ on the 13th-16th February 2012.

The business judged to have the ‘Most Improved’ shop front will then win themselves £3,000 towards their business.

Forms can be downloaded at www.leithshopidol.co.uk or for more information call Sarah Woodford on 0131 529 3527

Urbane Furniture Director, Garry Scott, said:- “What a great initiative to encourage shopkeepers in Leith to think a little harder about the appearance of their shop fronts. By giving shop window displays a bit of thought not only will they attract more customers and give the area a more interesting look, but also the business could win £3,000. You’d have to be crazy not to enter!”

So far 24 businesses have submitted an application to Leith Shop Idol. Those who have entered are:

Annie Mo’s, Great Junction Street

Altogether Edinburgh, Leith Walk

Braid Vets, Leith Walk

Bra Bogah, Easter Road

The Bed Shop, Leith Walk

Flux, Bernard Street

Pilrig Motors, Leith Walk

Aslam Jewellers, Leith Walk

Royal Artizana, Leith Walk

St Columba’s House, Leith Walk

Ecos Café, Leith Walk

Griffen Fitness, Balfour Street

Concept Clothing, Great Junction Street

Urbane Furniture, Haddington Place

Bethany Charity Store, Easter Road

The White Petal Company, Easter Road

Afreen Fashion, Constitution Street

Emma Hall, Haddington Place

Coffee H@ME Internet Café, Leith Walk

The Manna House, Easter Road

Natural Collection, Montrose Street

Laiba Boutique, Leith Walk

Kaawa Bistro Café Bar, Leith Walk

Harburn Hobbies, Leith Walk

This initiative is part of the Council’s commitment to Building Stronger Town Centres across Edinburgh and three town centre coordinators are involved in a variety of projects to promote their area.

 

Greater Grassmarket BID team need you!

Over 300 business owners are being consulted on the Grassmarket’s future and have been urged to complete the questionnaires delivered this week by the Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District (BID) team.

All information collected from the questionnaires will form the basis of the BID Businesses Plan, which business owners will have the opportunity to vote on this autumn. A positive vote will see the Greater Grassmarket BID take forward the most popular improvements to the area, as chosen by local firms.

Business Improvement Districts (BID) are created where local businesses see the opportunity to invest collectively in order to help make local improvements. The likely levy for Grassmarket businesses will be around a few hundred pounds annually which would enable a significant planned investment for the historical Grassmarket area. Plus, as a world heritage site and critical tourist destination for the city, the Grassmarket is an ideal candidate for a successful long-term BID.

Linda McIntosh, Greater Grassmarket BID Project Manager, says: “BIDs are all about businesses having a greater say and making collective changes which will benefit not only the businesses but also their staff and customers, as well as people living in the area. I’m asking businesses in the Grassmarket area to take just a few minutes out of their busy day to complete the questionnaire because this is their chance to have their say and to help shape the area’s future.”

“In general bigger business will pay a higher levy than smaller ones as they should benefit more from the BID. The relatively small BID levy businesses are paying in Falkirk has managed to leverage in substantial additional funding to be spent on projects which benefit the businesses in the town centre.  Falkirk is a great example of how BIDs work and obviously the businesses of Falkirk agree, as they recently voted in the renewal ballot to continue with the BID for another five years. I hope the businesses in the Grassmarket area follow Falkirk’s example by giving us their valuable input on the questionnaire.”

Linda is working closely with the Grassmarket Area Traders’ Association (GATA), which has already made a real difference to the area by organising major events, festivals and markets which have been promoted to both UK and international markets.

Fawns Reid, GATA Chair and owner of hat shop Fabhatrix in the Grassmarket, says: “Our most successful scheme to date has been a collective marketing project in which we raised matched funding from Visit Scotland, and a Greater Grassmarket BID would build on the success of this while taking it to another level.

“The Grassmarket is a major tourist and food and drink destination with a wealth of independent quirky shops and a successful BID would put the area firmly on the map for tourists and locals alike. It is hoped that we can plan a BID campaign over five years, and not just on a project by project basis every few months, to enable the BID to make a positive long-term impact.

“The BID could enable more creative and regular events to the Grassmarket, which have worked well in the past. Additional regular marketing campaigns could also be implemented aimed at targeting not just inbound visitors to the city but also the Edinburgh residential market and outlying areas. Other activities could include environmental improvements making the Grassmarket a cleaner, greener and safer area.

“In addition improved access for pedestrians and vehicles as well as business support mechanisms could be introduced providing vital services and help for small businesses in the area. As with other BID success stories it is hoped that the savings Grassmarket businesses can make through group procurement for example makes this process cost-neutral in the longer term.”

Fawns and Linda are keen to hear from the wide range of businesses in the Grassmarket area, including retail, visitor destinations, pubs, hotels and restaurants among others, so that they are given as wide a picture as possible of what businesses actually want for their area. They will then create the BID Business Plan based on these views.

Fawns adds: “We realise that people will only support a BID if there is something very tangible in it for them, so I think it important to stress we are seeking ideas based on what every business wants. We also need to know if business owners would prefer to pay a higher levy, to enable more projects to be carried out, or a smaller levy for fewer projects.”

Businesses have a choice of filling in a paper copy or completing the questionnaire online at www.grassmarket.net and following the link to Survey Monkey. Or they can complete the questionnaire and drop it off with Fawns Reid at Fabhatrix, 13 Cowgatehead.

Edinburgh company looking for sustainable skincare

Scots and Nordic scientists set to explore sustainable skincare

Scottish company Aquapharm has joined forces with Norwegian firm Aqua Bio Technology (ABT) to create a new generation of sustainable ingredients for the skincare market.

Together the companies hope to identify natural marine ingredients that could replace the petroleum-based components used extensively within the skincare market.

Scientists at Aquapharm believe marine microbes are the key to finding the bio-active ingredients of the future, and have developed specialist fermentation processes to source and produce such extracts.

Now they will undertake a development programme in conjunction with ABT, sharing their expertise in a bid to prove these extracts can be produced with minimal environmental impact – and successfully commercialised for the personal care market.

Jon Williams, VP Commercial, Aquapharm, said: “We have an ageing population, and one that is more environmentally aware, and both factors have led to increasing demand for personal care products with proven scientific benefits. As such brand owners and retailers in this sector are seeking out new sources of innovative, naturally-derived, anti-ageing ingredients – and we believe we have an answer.

“Our approach could lead to significant economic and environmental benefits over existing petroleum-based ingredients, as well as being cost-competitive.

“By working with ABT we plan to develop one or two possible ingredients from sustainable sources, show our ability to up-scale production, and will work together to commercialise them.”

Arvid Lindberg, CEO of Aqua Bio Technology ASA, said: “The collaboration with Aquapharm will enable ABT to tap into the knowledge and lucrative pipeline that Aquapharm holds. Together with ABT’s technical know-how on product development and ability to commercialise marine ingredients through its vast distributor network around the world, this paves the way for a true win-win collaboration. We are very excited about this opportunity, and also of the fact that our two respective governments have encouraged this cooperation by providing initial funding to get the products in question quickly onto the market. Innovation Norway has as such provided a grant on their end of approximately 0,5 MNOK.

“By focusing on marine ingredients to the skincare industry that combine both sustainability and efficacy, both macrotrends amongst consumers, we are convinced that we will be able to commercialize on this newly established collaboration. Consumers demand more and more highly effective skincare products, yet they expect and demand innovation not to come at the expense of the environment and sustainability. With Aquapharm we will innovate new marine based ingredients to cover both, and these will fit nicely into the product portfolio of our company”.

Aquapharm’s cutting-edge techniques have paved the way for the culturing of microbes previously thought ‘unculturable’, allowing its scientists to create an impressive bank of unique marine bacteria and fungi which can be harnessed as a source of novel functional ingredients.

According to the firm these could be used to create a diverse range of ‘next-generation’ products including: anti-ageing ingredients with anti-oxidant andanti-inflammatory properties as well as natural preservatives.

The diversity of this untapped resource has attracted interest from academic and industrial partners across a range of sectors, and paved the way for a range of other Aquapharm-led collaborative projects.

These include publicised partnerships with Leatherhead Food Research to discover and develop novel preservatives for use in food and beverages; a link-up with Albany Molecular (AMRI) to identify new anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory candidates; and collaboration with Croda International plc to source marine-derived ingredients for skin and hair-care products.

Aquapharm’s most recent project – its development programme in conjunction with ABT – has been partly supported by government funding from the Technology Strategy Board.

Developer to consult on Little France residential site

Developer, Sheratan Ltd, is to hold a number of community engagement events to consult on its proposed residential development at the Edmonstone Estate, in close proximity to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary at Little France (bound to the south by Old Dalkeith Road and to the east by the Wisp).

It is intended that this sustainable development of some 9.8 acres will comprise around 100 two-storey family houses, and provide a much needed housing boost to the area, greatly enhancing the quality of the environment at the estate. The infrastructure investment comprising roads, as well as landscaping, will help progress the private hospital and other associated development, such as the BioQuarter, creating considerable employment opportunities.

 

This site is currently earmarked for a care home and care village but has been on the market as a potential development site for well over a year, with little interest shown in it. Given these circumstances it has been decided to proceed with residential development on this site.

 

There has already been a great deal of public sector investment in the area through PARC, the BioQuarter and the Niddrie Burn works, but in order for the vision for the area to become reality in the foreseeable future some further stimulus is required. Sheratan believes this can be delivered through this residential development which will provide a boost to the South East Wedge and get regeneration of the area back on track.

 

Community engagement events, which form part of an extensive community engagement exercise, will be held on:

 

• Thursday 2^nd February at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, 5 Moredunvale Place EH17 7LB  - 3pm-4.45pm and 6.15pm-8.15pm
• Monday 6^th February at Danderhall Library, 1a Campview, Danderhall EH22 1QB – 4pm-7.30pm
• Wednesday 8^th February in Room 3, Hayes Business Centre, 4 Hay Avenue, Craigmillar EH16 4AQ – 4pm-8pm

Commenting on the events Ewan McIntyre of EMA Architects said:

“We are delighted to be able to put our very initial proposals for this residential development to the local community, and to hear and take onboard feedback. This development will deliver a much needed kick start, ensuring that the regeneration of the area is brought back on track, as well as providing housing and employment opportunities.”

ESPC recommends fast action by first time buyers

First time buyers could save up to £2,500 if they buy before March 2012

Plus more good news for those looking to make their first property purchase.

• First time buyer stamp duty exemption ends on 24^th March 2012.
• Over the course of 2011, properties for first time buyers have become increasingly affordable.
• ESPC running special event to provide first time buyers with help to learn if and how they can get on the property ladder

The government’s Stamp Duty holiday for first time buyers is coming to an end in March 2012.  First time buyers are currently exempt from paying the 1% Stamp Duty which is applicable on properties between £125,000 – £250,000.  This could save buyers up to £2500.  Last year 48% of the properties sold through ESPC were within this price bracket.   From 24^th March 2012 first time buyers will no longer be exempt, however there’s still time to buy before the Stamp Duty holiday ends.

For first time buyers out there who are not in a position to make a purchase so soon, 30% of homes for sale on espc.com are available for less than the minimum Stamp Duty threshold of £125,000 which equates to over 1,000 properties on which Stamp Duty is not required to be paid.

Another piece of good news for first time buyers is that affordability improved during 2011.  For buyers looking for a City Centre location the east end is becoming more affordable with the average price of a one bed flat in Leith Walk and Easter Road falling below £100,000 for the first time since 2006 having peaked at just over £130,000. Gorgie was among the most affordable areas in the Capital for starter homes last year with the average one bedroom flat in the area selling for just £91,374.

Last year 18% of one and two-bedroom flats sold by ESPC were secured for more than 10% under their Home Report valuation.  There are currently around 25% more homes for sale than would normally be expected at this time of year. The good news is this means there is more choice available for buyers and should allow them to be more successful in negotiating with sellers.

In terms of securing a mortgage interest rates are unlikely to rise significantly during 2012 meaning first time buyers will continue to be able to benefit from historically low interest rates.

ESPC is holding a First Time Buyers Event on Thursday 26 January 2012 in its newly refurbished showroom at 85 George Street from 5pm-7pm to help potential buyers see if they can get their foot on the ladder.  At the event experts will be able to advise customers on all aspects of buying, deposits, mortgages and how to go about completing a purchase before the Stamp Duty holiday comes to an end.

Malcolm Cannon, ESPC Chief Executive comments, “During the property boom first time buyers were being priced out of the market. The credit crunch reversed this trend but did mean those looking for their first home had to build up a bigger nest egg before applying for a mortgage. There are more mortgage options available at a higher loan to value percentage and this means first time buyers can take advantage of properties being more affordable. It is important that anyone thinking about owning their own home takes advice and works out what is the best route for them.

“If first time buyers would rather speak to us in person they can take advantage of all the free advice available everyday in the ESPC showrooms or at one of our events”.

Cash boost available to Edinburgh employers

City businesses can now get up to £2000 when they take on any young apprentice.

Edinburgh employers such as the Early Days Nursery, Pentland Land Rover and hairdressers Vincent Bell have already got involved. An apprentice can offer new ideas, commitment and a chance for businesses to grow a skilled workforce as well as showing support for the young people in their community.

The Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) is delivered by Skills Development Scotland – Scotland’s skills body – and supported by the Scottish Government. Eligibility for ERI has been broadened, it provides businesses with a cash injection when they employ any 16-19 year old as an apprentice or offer an apprenticeship to anyone 20 years or over who has been unemployed for a short period.

Employers can find out more by calling SDS’s helpline on 0800 783 6000 or visiting www.sds.co.uk/eri

Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland said: “It’s a tough time for employers everywhere but this announcement will allow them to recruit any 16-19 year old coming out of Scottish schools and colleges and to offset the cost of their wages during the early stages of their Modern Apprenticeship employment. As well as the recruitment incentive, the cost of an apprentice’s training is subsidised, making it a really smart way to grow a skilled workforce.

He added: “Scotland’s young people make a valuable contribution to businesses and to the wider economy. We hope this will encourage more employers to offer our young people that opportunity.”

Minister for Youth Employment, Angela Constance said: “I want to see as many of our young people as possible develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to be a success in our job market and contribute towards our economy.

“This offer will help convince more companies to give a young person the chance to make their first steps onto the career ladder in 2012. It will also ensure many young people can look forward to a brighter future this year.”

Edinburgh accountant advises how to avoid HMRC fines

Businesses and individuals across Scotland risk incurring heavy fines under new HMRC rules if they do not complete and file their self-assessment tax forms by the end of January 2012.

Chartered Accountants Chiene + Tait is urging anyone completing a self assessment tax return to remember that they could be fined for filing the document later than the January 31^st deadline  – regardless of whether they have outstanding tax to pay.

The firm says that, while the annual deadline for self assessment is widely publicised, many firms and individuals may not realise that 2012 marks the first time that the HMRC has been given the power to issue fines to anyone who files their form after the deadline has passed, even where there is no outstanding tax liability at that date.

It believes that the issue will be particularly problematic for businesses in rural areas which have limited or no access to broadband, who are more at risk of falling foul of the HMRC’s deadlines as they may not be able to submit their tax returns online in time.

Chiene + Tait is therefore urging anyone who faces difficulties in submitting their tax return – or who have made mistakes in previous years – to contact their chartered accountant or tax adviser to ensure that they do not miss the deadline and incur the wrath of HMRC.

Helen Mackenzie, tax partner with Chiene + Tait, said: “The 31 January filing deadline for self assessment tax returns has been much publicised over the years and by now, it will be imprinted on the minds of all individuals and businesses who are required to file self assessment returns.

“However, what may be less known is that this year, for the first time, HMRC has new powers to impose penalties for late filing regardless of whether any tax is outstanding. In addition, there is no doubt that HMRC is focusing resources on imposing significant fines for those who have made mistakes in their past tax returns.

“Anyone who has to work with HMRC will understand the complexity of the tax system; but the fact remains that, even if the mistakes made by an individual are ‘innocent’, they will still be punished in the future.  The Revenue also has considerable powers to insist on seeing business records, visiting business premises and running ‘amnesties’ targeting sectors that have bad tax filing records – so it’s vital to get your tax return completed fully and submitted on time.

“It’s important also to remember that HMRC is increasingly insisting on returns being submitted online, but many people feel uncomfortable with HMRC’s online filing system. Furthermore, there are still many people and businesses in rural areas that have limited internet or broadband access and may not be able to complete their form online.

“Without better infrastructure being put in place from broadband companies, rural businesses and especially farmers will continue to face an unnecessary extra burden and additional costs.

“As a result, some individuals and business may feel the need to incur the expense of appointing an accountant to act on their behalf when it comes to their self assessment needs.  Our advice is to talk to an established chartered accountant or tax adviser, who will be able to give you all of the assistance and guidance you need to meet the deadline and avoid a hefty fine.”

Edinburgh-based Chiene + Tait has more than 125 years experience of providing tax planning and accountancy services for clients in Scotland.

More information can be found on the website www.chiene.co.uk or by contacting 0131 558 5800 or emailing Tax Partner Helen Mackenzie at helen.mackenzie@chiene.co.uk

The Edinburgh Reporter chats with Emily Raemakers of Talented Apple

What does your typical day look like?
- Everything centres around my kitchen table. I spend about half of my time making pieces. The process starts with sketching out a design in my sketchbook, then developing my drawings into a graphic print by carving a lino cut or creating a screen print stencil. Then I’ll pull a set of prints and leave them to dry, before heat-setting them, cutting the patterns for the pieces I’m going to make, and then sewing them up.

What is your potted business biography?
- After studying Performance Costume Design at Edinburgh College of Art, I set up Talented Apple in 2011, selling handmade, hand printed fashion accessories and homeware online and at local craft markets. All Talented Apple products are original designs, handmade in small batches using water-based, non-toxic inks. I run my business as a small, ethical outfit with a personal touch.

What was your first job?
- I started out working freelance as a costume designer for theatre and film and my first job was as a Costume Assistant on the production of a film called “Perfect Sense”, starring Ewan McGregor and Eva Green.

What do you think is most important: theoretical training or “on the job” training?
- Definitely on the job training in my experience. You can prepare yourself to a certain extent with theoretical training but, being a creative-type, nothing beats getting your hands dirty and trying things out. I spent quite a while attending seminars and reading books on how to start a business before I took the plunge and, although that information was useful, it wasn’t tailored to my personal ideas for my business and I’ve learned a lot more since by trial and error.

Do you have any wish to study for a further qualification like an MBA?
- Not for an academic qualification, but I am always interested in learning new practical skills to expand my creative disciplines. I like to keep an eye out for different textile-related short courses.

Are there any people who have been of great influence to you on your career path?
- I think just being around various creative and enterprising people during my studies at Edinburgh College of Art. My aunt, Sally Mumford, runs her own handmade skincare company called “Shea Alchemy” which she set up several years ago. I think seeing her succeed doing something close to her heart has given me the confidence to do the same.

Which business book would you recommend?

- I found “The Small Business Start-Up Workbook” by Cheryl D Rickman was useful for covering all the different aspects of business. “The Handmade Marketplace” by Kari Chapin is a nice introduction to starting up a small craft business.

What are your business goals for the year?
- I want to establish myself on the local craft market scene and keep fine-tuning my range and designs. I love coming up with new designs. I also have a few commissions in the pipeline for things like wedding favours.

What do you do in your spare time?
- I love being outdoors, especially hillwalking, and I get a lot of inspiration for designs from the natural world. I try to get out of the city at least every couple of weeks for walks with family and my boyfriend. I also love travelling and sketching the places I go to.

Do you think you have a good work/life balance?
- Usually it’s pretty good, although the run up to Christmas last year was very hectic. I’m lucky that I can be reasonably flexible so if I really need to have a break and go for a run or a walk for a few hours, I can do that, and finish what I was working on when I get back.

Do you use social media in your business? If you do then how much is it important to you?
- I use Facebook, Flickr and LinkedIn to keep in touch with different sorts of people and I have an Etsy shop, too. It’s a great way of letting people know about new designs or craft markets I’m attending in a less formal fashion. It’s also a great resource for being an active member of craft communities which I enjoy.

What are the best aspects of living and/or working in Edinburgh?
- I think Edinburgh is the perfect size for me, it has all the resources I need and it’s big enough to have a great craft and creative scene but it’s small enough that it still feels intimate. All of the festivals in the summer make it an exciting place to be.

The best place in Edinburgh?
- The top of Arthur’s Seat  on a clear day.

Your favourite Edinburgh restaurant?
- Under the Stairs on Merchant Street. It’s cosy and it does great comfort food in small portions so you can share with your friends and try a bit of everything. The cocktails are pretty good, too!

Where else have you lived and or worked?
- I’m an Edinburgh girl born and bred, but I took a gap year between high school and university and taught English in a rural school in Himachal Pradesh in India for four months.

What do you do about business networking?
- Social media is a great tool for networking. I also like the face-to-face aspect of having a stall in a craft market.

What does success look like to you?
- To be able to make a living doing what I love. Keeping things small, creative and fun

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