Ice Factor Group named best in Scotland
KINLOCHLEVEN’S Ice Factor Group has been named best Digital Business in prestigious Scottish awards.
The company, owner of the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven and Snow Factor Braehead, just west of Glasgow city centre, picked up the Digital Business of the Year in the Scottish section of the Federation of Small Business’s Celebrating Small Business Awards 2018.
Both the Ice Factor Kinlochleven and Snow Factor Braehead are thriving thanks to greatly improved digital marketing.
Founded by Ice Factor Group owner Jamie Smith in 2003, the group began life by opening the Ice Factor – the National Ice Climbing Centre in Kinlochleven.
In 2011, that was followed by Mr Smith acquiring and successfully turning around the performance of the Glasgow-based snow sports facility now known as Snow Factor Braehead.
One of six snow-sport resorts in Scotland and popular with skiers, snowboarders and ice-climbers alike, it continues to be the country’s only indoor real snow facility.
The centre is listed as one of the top 10 climbing centres in the world, is five-star accredited by VisitScotland, and consistently ranks in the top five visitor attractions on Trip Advisor.
Building upon this success, in 2011 the company acquired the £32 million snow sports centre in Braehead. At the time the facility was significantly underperforming.
The Ice Factor team radically restructured the company and significantly realigned the marketing with a digital first strategy.
The group is also scheduled to operate a new snowdome being constructed as part of a significant regeneration project in Middlesbrough, which is scheduled to open in 2019/2020.
Mr Smith said all awards have value, but the Federation of Small Business Scotland has particular gravitas.
‘With nearly 20,000 members of the FSB in Scotland, making the shortlist was a considerable achievement. To subsequently win against such competition was amazing and it is testimony to the wonderful work done by our marketing team based at Snow Factor Braehead,’ he commented.
Amanda Frazer, FSB Highlands and Islands area leader, added: ‘Rewarding success is always a pleasure and yesterday’s Scottish FSB Awards final – the first that we have held – was a truly great day out.
‘The room was really buzzing as the representatives of some of Scotland’s finest SMEs exchanged news, views and business cards.
‘I was particularly delighted to see one of our own – the Ice Factor Group – scoop the Digital Award.
‘This win is a testament to all the hard work that Jamie Smith and his team have invested in the business, and not only is it good for the group’s reputation and promotion, locally and nationally, but it also demonstrates the quality that the Highlands provides.
‘Let’s hope that the Ice Factor Group reaches even loftier heights at the FSB Awards UK final in May.’