About the business
Lovers of gin and their hometown of Orkney, business owners Gary and Andrea Watt combined their passions to launch Orkney Gin in 2016. The unique product is distilled using botanicals found growing in the surrounding, wild environment and is produced from premium seven times distilled spirit before blending, filtering, bottling and labelling by hand. The unique spirits boast distinct flavours and have formed the basis of several multi award-winning gins including the highly coveted Great Taste Award.
Without Business Gateway’s financial planning support, we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now to be able to supply to markets beyond Orkney.
How Business Gateway has helped
During the launch in 2016, the Gary and Andrea turned to Business Gateway Orkney for start-up advice, planning support and routes to essential grants to grow their company. Their advisor, Wendy Pickles, was able to signpost the business owners to Orkney Islands Council and helped secure essential funding towards the expansion. Orkney Gin employs five staff and is now operating from a purpose-built building enabling them to supply to international markets.
Andrea Watt, co-founder and director of Orkney Gin Company, commented: “Without Business Gateway’s financial planning support, we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now to be able to supply to markets beyond Orkney.”
Support provided
1:1 Business advisor or support
Advice on business plan
Advice on funding
Advice on marketing
International/Exporting support
What’s next?
The business owners hope to continually grow in the UK, export more overseas and have ambitious plans to open a visitor centre in Orkney, which will create more jobs in the local area.
Get the support you need right now
You can connect with us through the contact form, call us or contact your local Business Gateway office.