About the business
Self-taught bacon producer Mark Reynolds is quickly turning his thriving artisan business into a household name. Founded in 2016, Piggery Smokery produces delicious, high-welfare bacon products, several of which carry Great Taste gold stars.
What began as a hobby business became a full-time job after Mark was made redundant. Piggery Smokery ramped up production from 15kg to 65kg of bacon per week in its first 16 months. Since Mark launched an online shop early in 2018, even more orders are coming in. He’s expanded his range and now plans to build bigger premises to keep up with demand.
I’d never had the slightest inclination to become a full-time business person, so Business Gateway has helped lay out every step I need to take in a clear and understandable way.
How Business Gateway has helped
Mark has drawn on his own project management skills and the advice of Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire to establish and grow his business.
“With my focus fully on the business, my adviser Gordon Mackay has taught me tricks of the trade and I’ll shortly benefit from his sales masterclass.”
Business Gateway support
Business planning
Market research
Innovation support
What’s next?
“In the short time I’ve been working on the business full-time I’ve seen our reach on Facebook skyrocket,” Mark says. “That plus our five-star reviews proves there’s a larger market out there for me to tap into.
“To grow, I need to improve efficiencies and the new website is the first step in helping me do that. What I need to do next is build a larger smokehouse to increase production so I can target food distributors and delis, and Gordon’s knowledge and connections will help me identify potential funding streams to do that.”
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.