Purrfect start for bookshop

About the business

The Ginger Cat Children’s Bookshop in Kilmacolm sells a wide range of books for children to young adults. They also provide eco-friendly toys and games.           

How Business Gateway has helped

Business Gateway support ensured a ‘purrfect’ start for the children’s bookshop, after the owner accessed a varied package of support which helped her open its doors.

Owned by local Aileen Jeffrey, The Ginger Cat Children’s Bookshop is based in Kilmacolm. It opened in November 2021 and specialises in children’s literature and events.

Aileen, who was previously a Health Visitor, always dreamed of opening her own bookshop and approached Business Gateway for help getting started.

Through the service, Aileen accessed a wide range of support which included 1:1 help from an adviser, networking opportunities, as well as help when it came to her business plan, funding, premises, marketing and company regulations.

Aileen also accessed market research reports using Business Gateway’s free research service which helped her to investigate the feasibility of opening a children’s bookshop in her preferred location. Additionally, webinars on social media, digital marketing and bookkeeping and finance, all helped prepare her for starting up on her own.

Aileen said, “Business Gateway’s support service gave me vital information about the basics of setting up my own business and I felt like I had been given a step-by-step, tailored guide. This gave me confidence as I got ready to open my doors to the public and ensured a seamless opening.”