Bay Bath & Body

Caroline Hutchison took a huge leap of faith when she opened her Bay Bath & Body business in George Street in April last year and getting a Business Improvement Grant of £1,500 gave her a helping hand.

‘It was a huge leap of faith and a huge risk to start up a business during a pandemic but sometimes in life you’ve just got to try - and I’m so glad I did. I’ve found that the business is doing okay and I know if I can survive a pandemic then the signs are positive for moving forward.

‘I was able to take that leap of faith because I had faith in Oban and because I did all my market research. Despite the hurdles and obstacles that Covid put in the way, I knew as long as I had the right product to fill a need then I would get through it,’ said Caroline.

Trading as a bath, body and fine gift shop, Caroline knew how important it was for her shop front to present the right image.

‘My business is all about well-being, looking after your body and staying beautiful so I had to make sure the front of the premises reflected exactly that. It had to look good.

‘I found out about the Business Improvement Grant through my aunty who also has a business in town. Last year there was no funding available to help any start-up businesses in Argyll and Bute so it was a struggle. Without that money, I wouldn’t have been able to re-paint the front, get a new sign and get an internal door fitted.

‘When I heard about the grant I decided to give it a go and it was so easy. I just called up BID4Oban and they were very helpful in giving me a form to download and fill in. I met the criteria and it was as simple as that, not difficult at all.

‘Getting that funding was a massive relief, it’s made a huge difference. Thanks to the funding my shop looks so inviting. It draws the eye of passers-by and that draws them in through my door which is exactly what I want.’