Local entrepreneur spots gap in the market for ‘Vine Living’ in Derry-Londonderry
COUNCIL AREA: Derry City & Strabane District Council
ENTERPRISE AGENCY: Enterprise North West
BUSINESS ADVISOR: Caolan Campbell
A former retail manager who spotted a gap in the market has opened his own homeware and deli business thanks to the help of the Go For It programme in association with Derry City and Strabane District Council.
This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) programme.
Conor Irvine, from Derry, decided to open Vine Living following the Coronavirus pandemic in Derry City Centre. Working as a retail sales manager, Conor’s dream was to open his own business.
Conor said: “I was working full time as a retail store manager, and I felt that it was time that I pushed myself that bit further. So, in the evenings I started Vine and set up our social media pages and website.
“Vine Living is a home, giftware and deli business. When you come into Vine you can find everything from locally made artisan cheeses and coffees, handmade candles, bath bombs, wax melts as well as gift sets and cushions.”
No two days are the same for the 32-year-old entrepreneur, his daily routine differs from day-to-day, but he said the hard work definitely pays off.
“I think whenever you have a business idea in your mind’s eye and you continuously work towards it, it becomes this brick-and-mortar business that you open the doors to everyday allowing you serve the local community. It’s still a feeling I can’t get over yet, but I am loving it – I’m just so happy that we’ve launched and we’re here.”
When Vine Living launched and opened its doors in September 2021, Conor had to overcome a few obstacles:
“When opening and starting a business there is always going to be hurdles especially right now in our current climate where we need to make every penny count, and when it comes to buying the stock for Vine I really look at that. I look for high quality products at affordable prices that people are going to really like.
“I am really lucky at the moment as Vine is still growing and we are really excited about Christmas. We have a lot going on with Christmas hampers and Christmas gift sets.”
Conor decided to get in touch with Go For It after seeing the advert for the start-up business programme on social media.
The Go For It programme is delivered free of charge by a team of experienced business mentors through Northern Ireland’s wide network of enterprise agencies. It provides expert advice and help with developing a robust business plan to help turn ideas into a commercial enterprise.
He said: “Initially I seen a lot of businesses on social media mentioning the Go For It programme and how it helped them set up. I contacted my local council and they put me in touch with the programme.
“They set me up with Caolan who was my Business Adviser. Caolan put together a business plan for me as well as a cash flow forecast which helped me set up Vine.
“During the Go For It programme, myself and Caolan went through every aspect of setting up a business from the ground up. We looked at marketing plans, sales projection for the year and we even broke it down to daily sales targets so I can keep myself on track.”
Conor’s hopes for the future are for Vine Living to grow and to expand his product shipping worldwide, not just within the UK and Ireland. For anyone who is even thinking about opening their own business, Conor highly recommends reaching out to the team at Go For It.
“I think if you have the idea of opening your own business, and you want to give it the best possible chance of success, you should get in touch with the Go For It programme and they will help guide you through it.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: “I am delighted to see local businesses like Vine Living continuing to benefit from the springboard that is offered through the Go For It programme.
“The wide range of support available from experienced advisors and local enterprise agencies can instil confidence and help new businesses navigate through those critical early stages of launching a new idea and getting a foothold in the market. I would encourage anyone with a new business idea to check out the help that’s available through the programme.”
Caolan Campbell, Business Adviser at Enterprise North West said: “Conor was an excellent case of someone who seen a real potential in the market. From local Irish homemade products such as soaps to luxury soft furnishings and statement vases, Conor has rapidly progressed his business into a luxury Derry City Centre shop front now too.
“Through the Go For It programme, Conor developed a coherent business plan which involved setting his business goals, completing market research and establishing pricing to name a few. From this, we also worked on developing a two-year cashflow projection, considering his projected sales and initial and ongoing expenses to establish the viability of the intended business.
“Through the Go For It programme, Conor went through a lot of business planning prior to taking the leap of opening his new shop. I am absolutely delighted to see Conor, despite the current economic challenges, thriving at his new business and offering a wide range of local products.”
If you have a business idea you would like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business contact the Go for It programme on 0800 027 0639 or visit: www.goforitni.com.
For more inspiration visit My Start Up Story - Go For It (goforitni.com)
Bácús brings French-infused taste and flavour to Derry’s Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin
COUNCIL AREA: Derry City & Strabane District Council
ENTERPRISE AGENCY: Enterprise North West
BUSINESS ADVISOR: Caolan Campbell
A couple in Derry~Londonderry have added a dash of je ne sais quoi to Derry’s Irish language and arts centre, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin – with a French inspired cafe, bakery and deli, thanks to the help of the Go For It programme, in association with Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
Bácús, a new French-influenced cafe, bakery and deli has proved a hugely popular since it launched in early 2022 by couple Samantha Doherty and her partner Laurent Pirone – a native of Paris.
The new bakery, housed within the Cultúrlann building, offers baked products including sourdough breads and pastries, as well as croissants and pain au chocolat and every day there is a choice of light lunch options such as soups and quiches.
Samantha who manages the business operations, said: “Laurent likes to put a French and European twist on his dishes such as warm onion soup and quiche Lorraine and a selection of French breads like Fougasse, Brioche and Baguettes. However, you can find traditional Irish staples on the menu too such as homemade sourdough, wheaten bread, scones and stew.”
Laurent has more than 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, having previously worked as Head Chef in Paris before moving back to Derry~Londonderry in 2009.
“He is so passionate about food and always wanted to get back into hospitality and using his art for cooking to bring a taste of France to Derry.” she says.
The couple got in touch with Go For It in October 2021 about their long-held dream of opening a new French-inspired cafe and went through the programme with the help of mentor Caolan Campbell.
Samantha said: “Just as we were finishing the programme, we had the opportunity to go visit the unit in the Cultúrlann so we talked to Go For It about it. Because Laurent is a chef, it seemed to make sense to do a bit of both – a cafe and a bakery.
“Bácús means ‘bakery’ in Irish. Go For It encouraged us and said it was low risk for us because we didn’t have to buy any equipment apart from some small, specialised bakery equipment, as everything else was already in place.”
While the couple have been hugely busy getting Bácús up and running, Samantha is also working with a brand strategy manager and developing her marketing and social media skills.
She says the priority at the moment is to build up the customer base and find out what people really want: “Bread is definitely in huge demand – sourdough is really in vogue. People want quality food and they love that somebody is making it fresh daily on the premises!”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane DC, Cllr Graham Warke said: “I am delighted that Bácús received help and guidance from the Go For It programme in navigating the often daunting challenges of start up.
“Our hospitality sector has experienced a challenging couple of years during the pandemic. However, Bácús is one of a number of new cafes and restaurants that have emerged in recent months to add an ever-expanding variety to the city’s hospitality offering.
“I’d like to wish Samantha and Laurent the best of luck as they embark on this exciting new venture, and I look forward to calling in to sample their delectable foodie offering in the near future.”
Business Adviser, Caolan Campbell from Enterprise North West said: “Samantha and Laurent fully engaged in the Go For It Programme. We initially looked at a business plan by setting their goals, completing market research and establishing pricing. From this, we worked with them to complete a two-year financial forecast, that considered their projected sales against their their initial and ongoing expenses.
“This really helped them understand the finances of running a business, alongside other areas such as health and safety and insurance, which gave them a brilliant base of knowledge on which to build the business.
“I am delighted to see that they have now opened their new café within the Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin centre and been trading for a number of weeks offering a very tasty menu which I would expected with Laurent expertise culinary skills!”
Samantha and Laurent fully engaged in the Go For It Programme
If you have a business idea you’d like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business contact the Go For It team on 0800 027 0639 or visit: www.goforitni.com
GO FOR IT CASE STUDY – NATURAL SKINCARE SUCCESS FOR SO27 SKINCARE
A Co. Derry~Londonderry woman has fulfilled her life’s ambition and turned a hobby into a business venture thanks to the Go For It Programme, in association with Derry City and Strabane District Council.
This project is part-funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
Deborah Lamberton from Derry explains that she always had an interest in skincare and beauty, but it wasn’t until she was traveling in Italy five years go that the idea for the business, So27skincare was formed.
“I have always believed in looking after my skin,” Deborah explains. “I had problem skin so was always on the look-out for the best products to try.
“Five years ago, I was in Italy with work and the hotel had soap and shampoo which was made out of olive oil. After a week I noticed a big difference in my skin and hair – they were in much better condition.”
Deborah decided to start researching natural products and developing her own range. This culminated last year when she went through the Cosmetics Assessment Process for her range.
She then enlisted the support of the Go For It Programme through Enterprise North West who act on behalf of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Schedule an appointment with your local Business Advisor and get started today.
“I had a real passion for skincare and for the business but the Go For it Programme helped me turn it into a reality. They helped me with all the financial planning which I needed to do to begin manufacturing and retailing my range. All the ingredients I use in everything I make are 100 percent natural.:Such has been the success of So27skincare, Deborah won a £10K Challenge Award with Derry City and Strabane District Council based on her five-year business plan.
“I have the Go For It programme to thank for getting me started and helping me win the award,” she explains.
“I would urge anyone who has ever had the idea of starting up their own business, or even if you have just started operating your own business to apply for a place on the Go For It Programme. The skills and knowledge imparted is beyond the realms of what you could achieve on your own.”
The Go For It programme is delivered free of charge by a team of experienced business mentors through Northern Ireland’s wide network of enterprise agencies. It provides expert advice and help with developing a robust business plan to help turn ideas into a commercial enterprise.
Claire Costello, Business Advisor with Enterprise North West on behalf of Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “Deborah joined the Go For It Programme with a clear vision to bring her very own range of natural products to the market and was determined from the outset to make it happen.”
“We worked with Deborah to develop her business plan that allowed to her focus on her marketing of the product range, as well as the financial forecasting for the first two years of the business.
“Deborah’s business plan also provided her with the opportunity to participate in Derry City and Strabane District Council’s 10k Challenge and picked up the top prize of £2,500 that she used to further expand her range of products.
“It’s amazing to see So27skincare experiencing tremendous online sales across the United Kingdom and already stocked in retail outlets in Derry City Centre. So27skincare is a local success story and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in the future.”
“I would encourage anyone thinking about starting a business to sign up now as there’s the added incentive of the 10k Challenge, which only happens once a year.”
If you have a business idea you’d like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business contact the Go For It Programme on 0800 027 0639 or visit: www.goforitni.com.
GO FOR IT CASE STUDY – HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS FOR HOUSTON HOMEWARE
A Strabane business man has turned a hobby and passion for homeware into a new business venture thanks to the Go For It Programme, in association with Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The Go For It Programme is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) programme.
John Houston, who studied design at university and has a background in retail management, launched Houston Homeware after he spotted a gap in the market for a quality gift and homeware shop in Strabane.
“I saw a gap in the market in the Strabane area for a high-end gift and homeware shop. So, I started doing my research and then I contacted the Go For It Programme.
“They offered me all the advice and support to get the new venture off the ground. The course was very practical and structured and really helped me get a clear focus of where I wanted the business to go.
Schedule an appointment with your local Business Advisor and get started today.
“They helped me put everything together into one business plan. They looked at things like financial costings and costing forecasts.
“They were a huge support to me and I would definitely encourage others with a business idea to talk to the Go For It Programme. It is free independent advice and it really helps put things in perspective and helps you see the bigger picture. They are with you every step of the way.”
John’s store in the heart of Strabane boosts a wide array of high-end homeware and gifts candles, crystal, photo frames and large pieces of unique furniture which can be product sourced.
The Go For It programme is delivered free of charge by a team of experienced business mentors through Northern Ireland’s wide network of enterprise agencies. It provides expert advice and help with developing a robust business plan to help turn ideas into a commercial enterprise.
Orla McNulty, business advisor with Strabane Enterprise for Derry and Strabane District Council, said; “Working alongside John on his vision for the business was a real delight. He knew exactly what he wanted and had put a lot of hard work into scoping out his business idea before coming to us.
“We worked with him to develop and fine-tune his business plan, making a number of small recommendations that would help with the short-term and long-term sustainability of the business. We are delighted to see Houston Homeware thriving in the heart of Strabane’s town centre and drop in regularly on my lunch break to pick-up something for my house.”
If you have a business idea you’d like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business contact the Go For It Programme on 0800 027 0639 or visit: www.goforitni.com.