Kinross entrepreneur is rising to the challenge

DIVERSIFYING: Daniel Webster’s balloon company is not just hot air

Q. How and when did you start in business?

I am a joiner by trade and formed a contracting firm, Webster Developments, in 2011.

I have grown it from a multi-trades construction company, carrying out various small contracts, to larger, more ambitious projects, such as construction of affordable housing and several contemporary homes all over Scotland. I have over 28 very committed and professional members of staff, very experienced tradesmen, who also work on our luxury housing division, Webster Homes.

My overall parent company is Webster Group, as my business encompasses a number of companies including Webster Storage, Webster Honey, which is a sustainable honey company, and Webster Adventures, which offers hot air ballooning experiences.

This offshoot was started by me to counteract the stress of construction, as it is a very pressured business.

I wanted something completely different in the leisure market which could make a name for itself as one of Scotland’s premier hot air ballooning companies.

We will also be adding Webster Spaces to our portfolio soon which will provide office and workspace for small businesses.

Q. How did you get to where you are today?

It’s been nine years of very hard work, developing each strand of the business as we have gone along and trying to ensure we did not build up debt.

I have been recognised with a number of young entrepreneur awards which has been fantastic and a recognition of my insight in trying to grow the business, and diversify into new markets.

Q. Who has helped you along the way?

My family have been an enormous help, and my partner, Emily Kate.

I have several key construction workers who have been with me since the very beginning and are simply invaluable to me. Meik my beekeeper is so committed to his bees and is now running my beekeeping courses for Webster Honey.

I must also mention Pete, my ballooning pilot, who brings over 30 years of experience to the skies.

Q. What was your biggest mistake?

Committing to expensive selling agents at one of my housing projects.

It was costly and I now feel I am far better to market them in-house through my own committed team who know the product so well.

Q. What is your biggest achievement to date?

My entrepreneurial awards, but the best is yet to come.

Q. What do you hope to achieve in the future?

I aim to make Webster Adventures Scotland’s largest ballooning company – tying up with luxury hotels and activity companies along the way.

Q. Do you want to recruit?

Yes we are always on the lookout for talented tradesmen and we also take on apprentices.

Q. Any advice to entrepreneurs?

Stick at your goals and know your own mind. Don’t let people say you can’t do something. Decide what you want personally and financially out of your business.

Daniel Webster on the site of one of his construction projects.