Orkney baker on a roll thanks to Business Gateway advice

About the business

Launched in 2019 after Swedish chef Karin Jonsson moved to Kirkwall to pursue her dream of starting a small bakery, Orkney Sourdough Co produces artisan breads with Scandinavian flavours and is thriving following support from Business Gateway.

From energy use and packaging to food waste and delivery, sustainability is at the core of the business with all breads being hand delivered and made to order. The growing public appetite for delicious Scandi flavours, coupled with the surrounding community’s love for local produce, means that Karin is now a supplier for several shops and cafés in the local area.

Being new to Orkney and the UK, I had no idea where to start – luckily, the Business Gateway office is located right next to my house. I just popped in for a chat one day and was instantly put at ease. My adviser, Sara, supported a successful grant application to Orkney Islands Council which contributed to the purchase of my new oven. I love the diversity that comes with owning your own business and, without Business Gateway, I simply wouldn’t have been able to do this.

How Business Gateway has helped

Apprehensive about launching a business in a new country, Karin turned to Business Gateway and met with an adviser who offered a range of start-up support services, including marketing advice and assistance with a business plan. In addition to regular one-to-one meetings, Business Gateway supported Karin’s successful application for a New Business Start-Up Grant from Orkney Islands Council. She was awarded £1500, which funded the purchase of a baking oven which in turn has increased bread production by fifty percent a day.