West coast sand mine steps up production
Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited is set to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.
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The sculptor takes her inspiration from the dramatic island scenery to produce her ceramic bowls, boxes and jars. With a growing order book from visitors to her island studio, she wanted to see if others would be interested in her unique hand-formed ceramics.
Patricia said: “I had developed a following among collectors of craft work in Scotland and the UK, but I never thought that I would export.”
However, interest in Patricia’s ceramics - made to a traditional Japanese technique - was burgeoning and she took part in overseas craft shows to assess the potential market.
In addition, Patricia attended a HIE course for businesses preparing to export. Over two days, the business owners learned the ins and outs of exporting and how to grow demand for their products through social media.
Patricia continued: “I now export to Europe, Canada and Australia. HIE’s course gave me confidence to know how to export and even though I sell one-off specialised pieces, I feel that what I learned about online sales and the process of exporting them has made a tremendous difference.
“I fire my pots using a traditional Japanese technique and I would love to have some of my pieces going to Japan. I am working with HIE to explore the possibility.
“I would say to others thinking of taking their work abroad, not to be intimidated. Exporting small numbers of products is perfectly feasible and with social media, you can reach foreign markets much more easily.”
Martin Johnson, HIE’s regional head of sectors, inward investment and international trade, said: “We are delighted to be supporting artists like Patricia to take their beautiful artisan pieces to an international audience. Exporting doesn’t have to be mass market, many times it is specialised, bespoke items that are underpinning our export markets and furthering the region's reputation for craftsmanship.”
HIE is running another course, like the one Patricia attended in Inverness in February.
Further information is available at http://www.hie.co.uk/internationaltrade
Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited is set to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.
A major project to create a new visitor hub on the island of Canna in Lochaber has secured a £20,000 contribution from HIE.
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
Figures show that businesses and communities supported by HIE across Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross during last financial year are set to create or retain around 50 jobs, including 15 in fragile areas.
Event in Portree on Saturday 27 April to encourage more people into the profession
The owners have secured up to £175,900 investment from HIE towards the works, which will help boost annual turnover and support local jobs.
A community project is under way in Knoydart to improve cycling facilities for visitors and residents.
Love Lochaber community campaign launched