A FORMER headteacher whose son registered her business with Companies House is now the creator of an award-winning Scottish craft gin.
Collymoon Craft Gin’s Gealach Úr Scottish dry gin recently won the bronze medal award for Scotland in the London Dry Gin category at the World Gin Awards in January.
The drink is the brainchild of former headteacher Nicola Finney, who had a long-held dream of launching her own gin and spirits brand.
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In 2021, she left her career in education and returned to Scotland after 30 years living in England in a bid to turn her vision into a reality.
“I’ve always liked gin, and always had a hankering for setting up my own business, but was a bit apprehensive about jumping in at the deep end,” she said.
“I still can’t believe that my first product is award-winning.”
Finney’s son Cameron motivated her to take her first official step by registering the business on Companies House without her knowledge.
She then spent the next 18 months learning about foraging and botanicals, flavour profiles and the distillation process so she could get off to the best start.
The former teacher also involved the rest of her children in the business, with her eldest son Ben designing the logo and her youngest Kieran, a mixologist, creating the perfect recipe.
Finney credited Business Gateway with helping her succeed, having turned to them to be put in touch with a digital expert who carried out an audit of her website.
“Business Gateway has been a massive support throughout the process of setting up my business,” she said.
“Having my adviser at the end of the phone has given me a real confidence boost, knowing that I’m not alone in this process.”
Linda Letford, Business Gateway Stirling’s food, drink and tourism adviser said: “Collymoon Craft Gin has seen great success since launching, which is testament to Nicola’s hard work and passion for her product.
“I’m very much looking forward to watching where the business goes next.”
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