Successful start for independent charcuterie

About the business

Stornoway-based Hebridean Charcuterie from Croft No.9, launched by Brian and Melinda Whitington, started selling their first product ‘Wild & Free Salami’ in March 2022.       

How Business Gateway has helped

Business Gateway helped the couple develop their business plan through a dedicated adviser, who offered guidance on funding options and support with their application to access grant funding. This resulted in an award of £1,250 through the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneurs Fund (OHYESS), fully funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway. This supported investment in a mincer, slicer, sausage stuffer and fridges, enabling the business to meet professional requirements.  

Brian Whitington, Co-Founder, Hebridean Charcuterie said: “I always wanted to start my own business, and I felt that I had the skills and expertise to launch the first charcuterie in the Outer Hebrides, using meats from crofters and wild animals. Business Gateway has been vital throughout this process and its help meant that we were able to invest in equipment and cover a lot of the initial costs associated with launching the business.” 

Additionally, through the continued direction from Business Gateway, Brian and Melinda were also awarded a further grant of £2,331 through the Comhairle’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grant Scheme (CERGS). This gave them the ability to buy an additional fridge and cool boxes to transport meat for production. 

Talking about their journey to launch the business, Melinda Whitington, Co-Founder, said: “We had to overcome several hurdles including converting what was once an unused garage at the back of our house into a salami kitchen at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. 

“We’ve also met lots of lovely people active in the local food supply chain along the way, who we have highlighted on our website.

“Without their and Business Gateway’s support and advice, we wouldn’t be where we are now.” 

With sales taking off, the couple are now looking to the next steps and expansion, supported by Business Gateway’s advice on HR and hiring staff. The couple have also trialled an aromatically spiced sheep meat salami which they hope to formally launch later in the year.