The couple behind a flower and Christmas tree business in Lockerbie is expanding into tourism with the launch of new on-site accommodation, expected later this summer.
The Pretty Wild Flower Co recently received a £20,000 loan through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.
This enabled husband-and-wife Rebecca and Scott Masterton to develop a new shepherd’s hut 'glamping' unit, providing accommodation for two in the middle of the Christmas tree field.
The funding also helped with the purchase of a small tractor, as well as the installation of two new polytunnels which increases flower growing capacity by a third.
The business was launched shortly after the pair got married, when Rebecca noticed a gap in the market for locally-sourced flowers used in wedding bouquets and for venue decorations. The couple identified a plot of land beside their home and, with skills from his day job in agriculture and forestry, Scott was able to turn it into the farm.
“In addition to growing stunning flowers, we’ve seen growing demand for interactive experiences and workshops that our customers can get more involved in,“ he stated.
“We’re already working on plans to incorporate a pick-your-own element for people who stay at the new shepherd’s hut.
“Floristry began as a hobby for my wife, Rebecca, but thanks to funding and support from avenues like the Start Up Loans programme, we’ve been able to make it a full-time career.”
Since launching in 2012, Start Up Loans has now provided more than £60m worth of funding to businesses in Scotland, with over 6,700 loans provided to entrepreneurs. On average, each business owner has received £9,000 - as well as being offered support in areas like marketing, business development and business plan writing.
Overall, Edinburgh has seen the largest proportion of Start Up Loans delivered to entrepreneurs, with more than £9.2m of funding provided across 833 loans. Glasgow ranks second, with £8.3m shared amongst 962 entrepreneurs.
Barry McCulloch, senior manager for Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “Scottish entrepreneurialism has seen us support some wonderful businesses since Start Up Loans launched more than a decade ago, including The Pretty Wild Flower Co and many others in the outdoors and tourism space.
“The fact that £60m of loans has now been allocated to Scottish founders highlights the effectiveness of the scheme in addressing regional imbalances and access to finance among smaller businesses.“
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