Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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Case study

Whisk Café

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Providing quality products

Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Whisk Café is committed to providing quality products to its customers. Alongside hot meals and homemade cakes, the café is home to a gift shop showcasing over forty artisans offering everything from jams and chutneys to jewellery and candles.

Owner and founder, Nyomi Dixon, established the catering business in 2021 just after the Covid-19 pandemic. Without any help setting up to get the business off the ground, IMPACT30 was the lifeline which helped her grow the business.

With the opportunity to learn from her IMPACT30 coach who had a wealth of experience in the same industry, she explained: “This style of one-to-one support and training was something I’d never had access to before. The advice available was invaluable.

“I particularly benefited from the guidance around accountancy, bookkeeping and team management; it was a huge learning process for me. I’ve since made a lot of changes to my business as a result which has created a more streamlined environment.”

Without IMPACT30, I wouldn’t have been in a position to even think about taking on another business.”

Nyomi Dixon, Owner and founder, Whisk Café
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Increasing footfall and creating jobs

The popular Inverness café moved premises in 2023 to help increase footfall and allow the team of nine to serve up an extended menu with enhanced kitchen facilities. But Nyomi’s success didn’t stop there.

In December [2023], she opened her next business venture, Cawdor Deli. Taking over the Cawdor Village Store near Nairn, she expanded the business to incorporate a deli and café alongside the well-used convenience store offering, creating seven new jobs in the local community.

She said: “Without the skills and confidence I gained from the IMPACT30 programme, I wouldn’t have been in a position to even think about taking on another business. You’ve got to jump at every opportunity; and the more time you invest in the programme the more you get out of it.”

As well as the expert support, Nyomi reflected on the opportunities that helped increase her network: “Meeting new like-minded people was a massive bonus. Not only did IMPACT30 broaden my contacts but it also encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and attend networking events.

“I even got new business leads through the networking sessions – from afternoon tea bookings to larger catering events for the café. The whole process really boosted my confidence.”

Where to next?

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