MICHELLE MADDOX, OWNER
Michelle, owner of Clootie McToot, said: “I worked with Business Gateway during the early stages of my business journey, but once the pandemic hit, I knew I needed a new strategy to reach customers. Working with the team, I adapted my business approach and started to target the wholesale market. This resulted in contracts with retail giants including Tesco and John Lewis, as well as others, and has been fundamental to my business growth.”
Michelle was signposted to funding by Business Gateway and was awarded grant funding through a Scottish Enterprise CAPEX grant. This allowed the business to purchase new equipment to increase their dumpling manufacturing process, helping the business scale up production.
Additionally, based at Clootie HQ, is the Clootie McToot Bistro, a café where visitors can enjoy a slice of clootie dumpling and watch the activities in the kitchens from a viewing gallery. Michelle is passionate about creating a welcoming working environment for everyone and the funding from Scottish Enterprise enabled the purchase of bespoke, specialised equipment for her staff who have varying abilities and capabilities.
Michelle also looked to improve her digital platforms and engaged with DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme delivered through Business Gateway. Through this, she was able to develop the brand’s website and social media platforms.
Michelle went on to say: “Business Gateway has been with me from the beginning of my journey, from when I first formed the business idea right up until now. I can’t recommend them enough, and they have been a vital extension of my team, providing advice at every turn as I set about adapting to the pandemic. It gave me confidence that we could make it through an uncertain time, and we’re now firmly on the way to achieving our ambitious growth objectives.”