Sweet start for Aberdeenshire confectionery business

About the business

Located on West High Street in Inverurie, Tutti Frutti, sells an extensive range of retro and American sweet bags, drinks and snacks. The business was founded in 2022 by Leanne Craig and partner Stuart Murray. Leanne, as a former admin and wages assistant, always had ambitions to start her own business but was apprehensive of where to begin. Following advice from Business Gateway, she decided to take the leap.

When I decided to launch my own business, I had no experience of the fundamentals such as hiring staff and finding a premises, which has been a huge learning curve for myself. I contacted Business Gateway and was put in touch with Keith, whose help, support, ideas and encouragement have been amazing and just what I needed in a business mentor.

Leanne Craig, Founder of Tutti Frutti Ltd

How Business Gateway has helped

A dedicated local adviser from Business Gateway offered her initial start-up advice, providing guidance on operational requirements for the store opening as well as advice on launch marketing for Tutti Frutti.

Encouraged by Business Gateway, Leanne also signed up to the Early Stage Growth support programme and received one-to-one HR support. Her dedicated adviser at the programme helped Leanne to create a plan for her business, including employing staff for the first time.

Opening the shop in December 2022, in just over three months, Tutti Frutti has enjoyed tremendous popularity with locals in Inverurie and beyond.

In response to this demand, Leanne has introduced several new sweet bags, such as the popular Saturday night munchie box and a TikTok famous pickle kit which is served on first come first service basis. Leanne plans to open additional outlets in the future, fully equipped with slushie machines and ice-cream machines for the summer season.

Leanne Craig, Founder of Tutti Frutti Ltd, said: “When I decided to launch my own business, I had no experience of the fundamentals such as hiring staff and finding a premises, which has been a huge learning curve for myself. I contacted Business Gateway and was put in touch with Keith, whose help, support, ideas and encouragement have been amazing and just what I needed in a business mentor.” 