Fast growing new business springs from a dying craft
MCENERY Bespoke Farmerss and Conservation is stilll very much in the introductory - phase of its lifecycle, and still undertaking much research, but much has already been achieved by this innovativee start- up.
“The idea started over a year agoo as I started researching it as a viable business in Rathmore,” says an insightful Ann McEnery. “I saw a massive loss when framers stopped making, or the fast decline in creating,g, hard finished ornate frames from raw mouldings. It’s a very old trade that seems to have slowly disappearedd from the market.”
Modern day competition in this market provides pre-painted and premade frames, and over time people have come to accept this. However, as Ann carried out her own market research I received a substantial amount of positive feedback - letters of intent - which gave her the confidence to pursue it as a business.
“After much research I established a steady market from antique dealers, interior designers and those who want quality and hand finished frames in their homes and businesses,” she says.
She now has her own workshop in Rathmore with work piling in.
“There is a massive backlog of work as these customers have sought out this service for a while and could not find it,” she says.
ShShe providesid a courieri service via parceldirect.ie to customers in the UK, while she collects and delivers orders to antiques dealers and customers here in Ireland.
And she has ambitious plans for her business, where she envisages having her work showing in local hotels, cafes and restaurants, as well as national and London museums. Other plans for the future include: Having a business premises in Millstreet and Newmarket
Expanding the team to five with a sales rep based in the field.
Servicing contracts with the OPW and museums
Expanding into London market via London-based interior designers (currently the business has developed one contact in London but in five years time she wants to expand this into ten contacts).
“Small businesses are the backbone of any community and this business demonstrates that through thorough research and development a smart supply chain business can serve its customers from a rural base,” says Ann.
“The business promotes bespoke craftsmanship and encourages entrepreneurial thinking within the community.”
And it’s a multi-faceted business right now. Currently it incorporates art, craftsmanship, field sales and social media advertising via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Ann wraps it up: “The business is constantly adapting, marketing and seeking new opportunities.”