The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Combining creativity with business
Wendy Maltman launched The Malting House Design Studio in Dundee in 2003 and moved into a purpose-built studio last year
How and why did you start in business?
I worked with several of Scotland’s leading design agencies before quitting full time work in 2002 to start a family.
A couple of years before I had invested in an iMac and was able to respond to a friend’s request to produce a marketing brochure for his business.
This was the start of my journey into business and since then The Malting House Design Studio has grown considerably specialising in branding, printed marketing materials, exhibitions and website development.
How did you get to where you are today?
Hard work, lots of late nights and a desire to produce work of a high standard. In the early days, the business grew through word of mouth referrals.
Who has helped you along the way? I have a very supportive network of female businesswomen that I have met through Women Ahead and the Association of Scottish Businesswomen. They encouraged me to have a greater vision for my business and to keep taking steps towards my goals.
The Elevator Creative Accelerator course helped bring focus and gave me access to mentors and Business Gateway advisors.
I am now signed up to the Business Gateway Growth Programme and to the Digital Boost programme and will be looking at making improvements to our website and digital marketing.
What was your biggest mistake? Probably more of a regret but having accessed the support from Business Gateway very recently, I wish I had done it earlier in my business journey.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Two years ago I had the opportunity to be the lead exhibition designer for the development of a new railway museum in Northern Ireland.
It is a piece of work that I am incredibly proud of and has led to other work in the heritage and cultural sector.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
My goal is to establish a supportive team of female designers and marketing professionals that are sought after for our creative talents.
What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
I’m a bit of a perfectionist and want to make sure that every output from the studio is completed to the best of our abilities. I feel personally responsible for everything we do and I’d be absolutely gutted if we did anything that didn’t meet the high expectations of our clients.
Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
Being a designer I would always stress the importance of getting your branding and marketing materials right from the outset. Investing at this stage of your business will help you engage with your target audience and give you credibility.