Following redundancy during the Covid-19 pandemic, experienced rigger Ian Burton launched Argyll Yacht Rigger, in June 2020.
The Tarbert-based business provides a full range of services for pleasure and commercial yacht owners in the region, from complete re-rigs to installing new masthead electronics and winter maintenance. Ian is one of the few people in the country to offer a complete rigging service as his sole means of business.
Seeking to capitalise on this niche area of business, Ian approached Business Gateway in 2020 for advice on setting up his own business.
As well providing start up guidance, his local adviser facilitated specialist support which included employment advice and expert help on business growth and resilience. This support was crucial as Ian looked to build the business during the pandemic.
Business Gateway also signposted grant funding, helping Ian access support to expand. With a referral made from Business Gateway, Ian was also awarded funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The grants enabled Ian to purchase higher-quality equipment, allowing him to deliver a wider range of services, increase capacity and cover a wider regional area. The growth has resulted in Ian employing a second member of staff with plans to hire an additional full-time rigger in future.
Ian Burton, Founder of Argyll Yacht Rigger, said: “Starting your own business, especially in a rural area, can be daunting, however, the support of Business Gateway has been vital to a successful launch in 2020. Working throughout the pandemic, I was determined to expand the business and it was with the funding that Business Gateway helped me to secure that I was able to do this. I have now taken on my wife as my first employee to help with my bookkeeping, which has been an important function for us to maximise earning hours.”
Donald Melville, Adviser at Business Gateway, commented: “Argyll & Bute is well known for its yachting community, and Ian brings a personal and valuable service to all his customers. He has worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic and it's very encouraging to see this now coming to fruition for the business, with support from Business Gateway.”