New campervan conversion firm launched in Outer Hebrides

Studio Vans, based in Balivanich, Benbecula was set-up by chartered engineer, Rob Hall in June this year. The business specialises in customised fit-outs for campervans and also provides a hire service for his vans.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) supported Rob with a grant of £12,622 and through advice from the agency’s innovation team, he was able to develop and protect designs to progress the business quickly.

Studio Vans was the first tenant to move into HIE’s new development of business units at Eabhal Business Park, Balivanich.  The units were jointly funded by Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and HIE in a bid to stimulate business growth.

The firm has also been supported by Business Gateway and secured additional funding through the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneurs Start-up Scheme and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Rob previously carried out environmental consultancy work in Glasgow and Sydney, Australia and moved to the Outer Hebrides earlier this year.  

Rob said: “As we are relatively new to the island, engaging with HIE and Business Gateway was crucial in making new business connections through individual introductions, local events and meetings across the country. 

“The practical business support on funding, business plans and company regulations has been a huge help during the initial start-up period.”

Joanna Peteranna, interim head of strengthening communities at HIE’s Outer Hebrides area team, said: “Tourism is a critical part of the economy of the Outer Hebrides and as the sector slowly recovers, our grant support and advice allows Rob to start as he intended to before lockdown started. We are delighted to support this innovative business to start and develop and in time, there will be an opportunity to create more jobs.”

Companaidh ùr an sàs ann an atharrachadh bhanaichean campachaidh air fhoillseachadh sna h-Eileanan an Iar

Tha gnothachas an sàs ann an atharrachadh bhanaichean campachaidh air fhoillseachadh sna h-Eileanan Siar, agus air iarrtas fhaicinn mar-thà airson a sheirbheisean bho air feadh na RA.

Chaidh Studio Vans, stèidhichte ann am Baile a’ Mhanaich ann am Beinn na Fadhla, a chur air bhonn leis an innleadair cairte Rob Hall san Ògmhios am-bliadhna. Tha an gnòthachas a’ sònrachadh ann an uidheamachadh gnàthaichte air bhanaichean campachaidh, agus cuideachd a’ solarachadh seirbheis màil leis na bhanaichean aige.  

Thug Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd ’s nan Eilean (HIE) taic do Rob le tabhartas de £12,622 agus tro chomhairle bho sgioba ùr-ghnàthachaidh na buidhne, bha e comasach air mòran dhealbhaidhean a leasachadh airson an gnothachas adhartachadh gu luath.

B' e Studio Vans a' chiad màladair a ghluais a-steach do leasachadh ùr HIE aig ionadan gnìomhachais air Pàirc Gnìomhachais Eabhal, Balivanich. Chaidh na h-ionadan a cho-mhaoineachadh le Maoin Tabhartas Calpa Ath-nuadhachaidh Riaghaltas na h-Alba agus HIE ann an oidhirp fàs gnìomhachais a bhrosnachadh. 

Tha am buidheann air taic fhaighinn cuideachd bho Business Gateway agus air maoineachadh a bharrachd fhaotainn tro Sgeama Tòiseachaidh Luchd-tionnsgain Òg nan Eilean Siar agus Maoin Leasachaidh Roinnean na h-Eòrpa (ERDF).

Bha Rob a-cheana an sàs ann an obair co-chomhairleachaidh àrainneachdail ann an Glaschu agus Sydney Astràilia, agus ghluais gu na h-Eileanan Siar nas trà sa bhliadhna. 

Thuirt Rob: “Seach gu bheil sinn cuibheasach ùr don eilean, bha conaltradh ri HIE agus Business Gateway deatamach ann an cruthachadh cheanglaichean gnothachais ùra tro chur an aithne air daoine fa leth, tachartasan ionadail agus coinneamhan air feadh na dùthcha.

“Tha an taic gnòthachais dhèanadach a thaobh maoineachadh, planaichean gnothachais agus riaghailtean companaidh air a bhith nan cuideachadh fìor mhòr tron chiad ùine tòiseachaidh.”

Thuirt Joanna Peteranna, Ceannard Eadar-amail Neartachadh Choimhearsnachdan aig HIE: “Tha turasachd na pàirt èiseil den eaconamaidh sna h-Eileanan an Iar agus mar a tha an roinn a’ dol am feabhas air a socair, tha ar taic tabhartais agus comhairle a’ ceadachadh do Rob tòiseachadh mar a bha e an dùil mus do thòisich an glasadh. Tha sinn air leth toilichte taic a chur ris a’ ghnothachas ùr-ghnàthach seo gus tòiseachadh agus leasachadh, agus rè ùine bidh cothrom ann air tuilleadh obraichean a chruthachadh.”