Member stories

Rachel McIlgorm is the founder of social enterprise Storybox NI. Inspired by hope to rebuild local businesses after a turbulent time, the community interest initiative was born. Rachel takes us behind the scenes of the online business based in East Belfast.

Manchester-based Joana Hesse is passionate about helping youngsters into the hairdressing industry. Award-winning Afro-European hair salon owner Joana shares her story and advice for business owners looking to offer apprenticeship and training opportunities.

Nigel Seaman founded Combat2Coffee in Ipswich, a veterans mental health project that supports veterans and families in the community through coffee. Inspired by his own mental health journey, Nigel set up the social enterprise to provide purposeful rehabilitation, training, and outreach.

Aerospace company Metal Seagulls in Wales specialise in building, maintaining and operating light aircraft. Founders Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE and Jonathan Porter share the journey of running and growing their business.

David Griffiths, co-founder of award-winning Aberdam Dutch Fries, takes us behind the scenes of running the small business. Spotting a gap in the market, David took the leap to launch an innovative street food business and is looking to take the fan-favourite further afield.

Ryan Jackson took his passion for buying and selling at a young age and channelled it into opening his own destination retail storm. The Brighton-based entrepreneur, owner of award-winning OG Kicks, shares his start-up story and advice for fellow business owners.

Having started the business on a dining room table, Metal Seagulls is flying high at Haverfordwest Airport, building, maintaining and operating light aircraft. We chat to founders Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE and Jonathan Porter about what it's like to run their business.

Go behind the scenes at Graham Clark’s workshop in Inverness, Anderson Clark Motor Repairs, to find out what it’s like running a motor vehicle servicing and repair centre.

Established in 2006, Highland Heating Management has a team of engineers covering the oil, gas, electric and plumbing industry. Managing director Gordon Peters gives us a glimpse into the business.

Join Kevin Stacey, owner of 42 Cycling, on a cycling tour of stunning sights in the Highlands of Scotland. Kevin shares his story of pursuing his passion for cycling after 25 years in the military.

Meet the start-up serving up a blend of Scottish and Dutch street food in Aberdeen. We spoke to David Griffiths, co-founder of award-winning Aberdam Dutch Fries, about their journey so far.

Catherine Bunn shares the story of Highland Campervans, an award-winning campervan and motorhome dealership based in Inverness.

Steel fabrication specialists KR Group, based in Aberdeenshire, are on a mission to develop the young workforce in the construction industry. Director Nicola Fraser takes us behind the scenes.

Starting out as a white fish skipper, Jimmy Buchan is the owner of award-winning Amity Fish Company, a supplier of Scottish seafood based in Peterhead. Jimmy shares what it’s like working in the fishing industry.

Independent distribution company M&H Carriers make thousands of deliveries every day across the North of Scotland. Owner Fraser MacLean takes us behind the scenes at their Inverness Hub.