Highland jewellery-making school sells out evening classes

About the business

Highland School of Jewellery was founded by Dr Karen-Ann Dicken, a seasoned jeweller with over 18 years of teaching experience, who had noticed there were limited options for learning the craft of jewellery-making in the Highlands. 

How Business Gateway has helped

Karen-Ann had always thought about setting up her own school but had never found the right time. After completing a PhD, which explored how digital technologies can be utilised to make tooling for jewellery-making and handcraft, she realised it was now or never and approached Business Gateway for support. 

Karen-Ann attended Business Gateway webinars and received one-to-one support locally through a dedicated start-up business adviser, who provided advice on her business plan, company regulations and funding opportunities.  

Through Business Gateway support, Karen-Ann was also able to access funding from The Highland Council Start-up grant fund, which went towards supply and operational costs for the workshop.   

Highland School of Jewellery has now sold out of evening classes over the next ten weeks.  

Karen-Ann now has plans for the business to become a Community Interest Company, meaning the business model will be designed to benefit the community. 

Karen-Ann Dicken, owner, Highland School of Jewellery, said: “I’m incredibly grateful to Business Gateway for their ongoing support as I grow my jewellery practice here in the Highlands. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me take this next step, from refining my business strategy to establishing my presence in the local community.”