AN award-winning fake food sculptor whose products featured in the Barbie movie is on track for a six-figure turnover after accessing support from Scotland’s national business advice service.
Fake Food Workshop creates high-quality and realistic fake food sculptures for a range of uses, including in theatre, television, interior decor and marketing.
Owner Kerry Samantha Boyes, who launched the business in 2018, exports fake food sculptures all over the world, with clients including international names such as Warner Bros, the Guggenheim Museum, and Walt Disney Imagineering as well as UK clients including National Trust Properties, Heinz, the BBC, Jo Malone and Selfridges.
Fake Food Workshop’s ice-cream replicas featured in the blockbuster Barbie movie last year.
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With 30 years of experience in the UK heritage and visual arts sector, Boyes had successfully carved a niche in the market. On a mission to grow her business and meet increased demand from overseas, she approached Business Gateway.
Boyes accessed services including one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on hiring and specialist support on international exporting.
Business Gateway’s Expert Help programme was crucial for developing a plan to meet increased demand and navigate complex exporting regulations and logistics.
Through Business Gateway, Boyes also attended webinars on producing engaging online content, and used the skills to develop her website and social media presence She is now forecasting growth from £43,000 to £130,000 in three years, with exporting sales accounting for about 50% of this turnover.
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Boyes said: “Business Gateway’s invaluable support and expertise on exporting products have been instrumental in the business’s success. Recently, my family and I relocated our home and the business to Kirkcudbright, the Artist’s Town, in Dumfries and Galloway.
“We’ve established a specialised workshop and store and look forward to opening our doors to the public during Spring Fling 2024. January has already been fruitful with exciting international and UK enquiries.”
Business Gateway adviser Jeff Hume said: “Exporting internationally can be challenging, but it can also open up significant growth opportunities for businesses. We were able to support Kerry with a range of our growth business support which has been instrumental in her increasing export sales.”
To find out how Business Gateway could help your business, visit www.bgateway.com
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