posted by admin on Jan 10
Well Happy New Year to all avid readers!!! Well, it’s certainly been a busy few months to say the least. I was concerned that things would be pretty quiet over Christmas, what with the current financial crisis. Turns out I couldn’t be further from the truth…
The new website finally went live in October, with the upgraded ecommerce and new gift packages going down really well with customers. We’ve seen a 50% increase in internet sales over the last 3 months year-on-year since the shopping system was improved. Great news for the company!!
I managed to pull in a few new corporate clients too, which gave me a huge boost. There were big concerns that our business customers would cut out their luxuries completely, however, most of them have returned, albeit with slightly tighter budgets. I managed to win a contract over a large, UK department store too, which has given us a huge boost in credibility.
Other than our busiest trading period to date, there’s not much new to report. Managed to sneak off to Belfast for a few days at New Year to rest and recuperate – although by the time we got there, our Irish friends had made sure there wasn’t going to be much rest!!!
Just a short entry for now as I don’t have too many exciting developments, however, I’d like to wish all the followers of this blog a very successful 2009.
Claire Smith
Caledonian Gifts
01382 532 272
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
2008 Graduate of Sir Tom Hunter’s Leadership Programme
posted by admin on Nov 16
I’m going to make a conscious effort not to moan about the world banking crisis/weather/people’s attitudes* this month.
*delete as appropriate
Things are actually quite cheery at Caledonian Gifts just now. The new website has been live for just over a month and it’s making a difference to the online orders. The site looks a lot more sophisticated and reflects the brand well, so I am really happy with the results. We’ve had some good client feedback also, so I’m glad the customers are happy…
The Christmas pandemonium has officially begun! I’ve just taken delivery of over 300 jars of chutney, and that’s only one item that goes into a hamper (therefore you can imagine what things are going to be like by the end of the week!) Sad as it sounds, I get a real sense of satisfaction in seeing huge volumes of stock being delivered. It makes all the hard times worthwhile, when I see a big order leaving here.
We’ve started to work with a few new suppliers, including James Chocolates based on the Isle of Arran. They produce wonderful hand made luxury chocolates which are simply divine – of course, I’ve been forced to taste test them. Hey, it’s a tough life, but someone’s gotta do it!
On another note, I’m back doing business advising with a local secondary school, with their Young Enterprise team. I’m having a ball as it reminds me of where I started from and how you really do get lessons for life as part of a Young Enterprise company. We’re currently getting ready for the Young Enterprise Trade Fair next weekend, so it’s all systems go. The group are making pampering gift packs using lovely handmade bath bombs and soaps, as well as some great Christmas stocking fillers. Hopefully, all will go well and we will be sold out by lunchtime…
Anyway, I’d best scoot for now, it’s a Saturday night and I’m determined to have a night off.
Until next time, adios!
Claire Smith
Caledonian Gifts
01382 532 272
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
2008 Graduate of Sir Tom Hunter’s Leadership Programme
posted by admin on Oct 14
Well it’s high time I got another entry on this blog of mine!! It seems an apt time to do this, seeing as everyone’s just gone back to Uni, and I’m stuck in the office having a sudden realisation that it’s almost 2 years to the day since I became self employed.
I had a sudden wake up call to how different my life is from most of my friends around me. Albeit I took the tough route (I can see the friends who are medical students cursing before my eyes…sorry guys, you still find the time to party!) but it struck me that life at uni is so different from life in the big wide world.
Take for example last Wednesday night, I stayed at a friend’s student flat. We’d been out at a charity event and headed back to her flat late evening to catch up over a coffee. Walking across the courtyard to a flat opposite, we heard ambulances scream up to the front of the buildings and two paramedics flying across the road towards an open door and four worried looking students. Not ones to miss out on any excitement, we stood around to see what was going on and what greeted me, horrified me. A girl, maybe 2 years younger than me, was wheeled out wrapped in a blanket, totally unconscious while her flatmates stood around saying “I thought she’d had one too many…”
Frightening. Now, I’m not saying all students are the same and they end up unconscious every Wednesday, but that for me was really eye opening. Part of me’s always had that “did I miss out by not moving away and going to uni?” thought pop up every so often. But that could have easily been one of my friends in that situation. Or me.
Needless to say, I’m pretty sure she never made her 9am lecture the next morning…
Which leaves me thinking about whether or not I made the right choice? Like everything, the future’s never certain. There are days when I could easily give up on it all, find myself an easy job and go back and study. Especially with the way the media are portraying things just now: no-one can get financial help, banks are being nationalised right, left and centre and we’re inclined to think we’d be safer storing our cash in a jar under the bed. It does bring the strongest of personalities down.
However, I look at the opportunities I’ve had through the route I’ve taken. Just a few weeks ago, I was at a big corporate jolly with PSYBT who funded me as a start up. It was a great day out, people were in brilliant spirits and we spent the night teaching Irish people to Scottish dance (we failed miserably…)
I had a stand set up at the event and throughout the day people were coming over to us saying how great it was to see young people getting out there and making their mark on the world. Everyone I spoke to thought I had a great idea on my hands and that “I’d have been wasted with my head in a book for 4 years” which is probably true – the thought of a non practical challenge fills me with dread. It’s moments like that which reinforce why I chose the path I chose. I might not wake up every morning to 10 million sales, however, I know that each sale I do get is bringing me a step closer to the BIG DREAM – an Aston Martin parked in my driveway by the time I reach 25…
Claire Smith
Caledonian Gifts
01382 532 272
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
2008 Graduate of Sir Tom Hunter’s Leadership Programme
posted by admin on Jul 20
It’s been a while…again!!! I keep meaning to update this regularly, but one thing leads to another and it never seems to get done.
It’s been a quiet week, which I probably should be thankful for; however, it’s not a lot of fun being in the office alone with no-one to talk to and precious little to do. Which leads me on to today’s hot topic of discussion. The CREDIT CRUNCH.
Let’s be honest, things are quite gloomy at the moment: you could say the future’s about as bright as the Arctic in Winter. Not terribly. It’s hard enough for young entrepreneurs to get a foot on the business ladder, but with all the talk of inflation, increased mortgage rates, fuel hikes and constant rising costs, it’s no wonder people are thinking twice about going it alone. Just this week on the radio I head that a self employed tradesman hadn’t had any work for 3 weeks. Now, thankfully I’m not in that position and I don’t have a family to support, but the bug is biting all round…
…Clients are spending less and people are watching their money like hawks at the moment, which for small businesses isn’t ideal. To be honest, it’s about riding the Credit Crunch Express Train and hoping there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
Even the weather’s not looking up. We’ve done a couple of summer fairs earlier on in the month and I kid you not, the gazebo was indeed tied to a fence. Try attempting to hold down your table and serve a customer single handed. It’s hardly ideal. I’m in a bit of a chicken and egg situation just now, loath to spend any more money going to events but knowing if I don’t do it, there is no way of showcasing what the company does. Plus, half the battle is getting the customers to part with their cash… “Normally, I’d buy something, but you know this whole credit crunch thing…”
But enough of the doom and gloom, I’m hopping across to the Med for a weeks holiday next week, where things will hopefully be a little brighter and judging by this weeks temperatures it seems that way. Apologies to those who due to the “current economic climate” (check my buzz words!) are staying home. If I find the idea to end the credit crunch at the bottom of a paella dish, I’ll certainly be in touch. But I’ll patent it first. It could be my very lucrative new business idea…
…See an entrepreneur NEVER switches off.
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
posted by admin on May 28
Hello everyone!
Felt it was time for another update on what’s happening in my slightly manic life. Had my Scholarship Graduation ceremony at the beginning of May, so it’s been nice to go back to a slightly slower pace of life for a couple of weeks. Although, in saying that, I am missing the whole thing of being told 2 days before that you are off to London or to complete a challenge or whatever. Guess it’s just a bit of a readjustment period at the moment.
However, it has given me the opportunity to catch up on business and start on the projects which have been on the back burner for months. The website’s about to be completely overhauled by my web team, so it’s a case of writing content, getting pictures taken and deciding what new products to go live with.
Finger’s crossed for good weather next week as it’s the first of the summer shows which we take a stand at. Last year we had 2 great days for the event and I am hoping for the same again. No-one wants to be stood in a marquee, knee deep in mud in June…
Anyway, must stop procrastinating…It’s the middle of the day and I am sure I have some accounts to be done!!
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
posted by admin on Apr 22
Well here is the latest from my slightly mad and obscure world! Just back from 5 days in Switzerland on a climbing trip were we were walking in temperatures up to minus 15 degrees… Slightly chilly as you can imagine.
So the purpose of this slightly insane adventure?! Leadership. I was away with the other 7 guys on the Hunter Leadership Programme and the incredible quadriplegic mountaineer Jamie Andrew.
Jamie really is an inspiration to us all. Rather than giving up and believing his life was over, Jamie fought back and is now more active than ever before – climbing, running marathons and completing Iron Man Challenges to name a few.
I took a lot from our trip – there were times when our adventures had to be postponed due to bad weather setting in (minus 15, 40in of snow, howling gales…hardly ideal) and plenty of moments where I wanted to give up but seeing Jamie overcome adversity was pretty awe inspiring.
I also tried a Via Ferrata for the first time – for those of you not in the know about climbing, it’s basically a cliff which crazy people drill large staples of metal into and off you go climbing it with a rope and harness. I can honestly say it was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. Even though you know that you are safely harnessed in, at that sort of height it’s difficult to trust the equipment with your life. Quite literally. Not something I will be repeating in a hurry.
Other than the odd death defying situation in Switzerland it’s been business as usual – the end of the financial year’s just passed so it’s been back and forward to the accountants!
Keep working hard until next time.
www.jamieandrew.com
posted by admin on Mar 23
Haven’t been able to Blog for the last few weeks… Life’s suddenly got crazy and I’ve just realised how much time has gone by since my last entry.
Well, first up I’ve been on a Leadership Course with Sir Tom Hunter up in Scotland for the last 7 months and I had to keep it uber quiet until the official Press Launch in February. Which trust me was difficult, when you are disappearing to foreign lands on a regular basis, people tend to ask questions…
The Hunter Leadership Programme aims to take the best of Scotland’s young people and
create the future leaders of our country – whether its in sport, business, politics, media and beyond. I’ve possibly had the best 7 months of my life: worked in New York City BABY at the Clinton Global Initiative, spent time at the Clinton-Hunter Development Initiative in Malawi, Africa in October, worked alongside BBC Children in Need in January and have even had the opportunity to try some offroad Land Rover Driving… Varied, I know.
It’s been the most enjoyable 7 months, but at the same time it’s been incredibly hectic. Thanks to the support of Mum and Dad, Caledonian Gifts is still going whilst I complete my scholarship and whenever I am at home, it’s back to business. I wouldn’t have it any other way though; I’ve worked exceptionally hard but had the best experiences and met some of the current world’s greatest leaders. It’s really raised the bar for me and I no longer want to run a small business… I want to see my baby go global!!!
So what’s next? Home for a week (yay) then off to climb the Swiss Alps with the Hunter Scholars and Jamie Andrew who should be an inspiration to us all. Jamie lost both his hands and feet to Frostbite after a climbing accident in 2000. He was minutes away from death and could have given up on life but fought on and was back on the road to recovery within 6 months. Jamie’s zest for life never fails to amaze me and he also manages to handle 3 children all under the age of 4! I’ll keep everyone updated on my trip and meanwhile, keep working hard!
Check out my website by going to:
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
posted by admin on Feb 2
I’m quite enjoying the peace and quiet at the moment, Christmas was exceptionally busy for us as a company – sales are up on last year, so I just need to find some ways to carry this through the rest of the year…
…I don’t know how you guys have found things, but sometimes people out there have a habit of knocking us down. Forever in the news we are seeing reports of teenagers causing gang riots, shooting people, going for Guinness World Records in ASBO holding, it goes on and on. I’ve decided that it’s suddenly got my goat. So this could be the subject of my blog entry.
Now I know there’s no point in preaching to the converted but doesn’t it get you down sometimes? There are so many hardworking young people out there, but so often their talents go un-noted. Adam, I do realise that this is the purpose of this site… However, how often do we see the press reporting on great achievements by young people? I Googled “great achievements by young people” this morning and found very few results.
Young peoples achievements should be recognised everywhere. We need more positive role models. I am about to hit 20 (scary reality) so I’ve passed the whole teenage angst stage, but for those people out there who are still going through it, surely you would appreciate having some more positive figures to look up to?
On another note, I discovered the delights of Coach Carter a few months back and the fact that it’s based on a true story is even better. If you are ever having a down day and in need of some inspiration – watch it – I can guarantee you’ll be smiling by the end. Here’s a little thought to leave you all with. Yes, I am getting deep and meaningful… but it may come in useful sometime for school projects!!!
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Timo Cruz, Coach Carter 2005.
Check out my website by going to:
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
posted by admin on Jan 14
Well hello folks! This is the first time I’ve done a blog… So here goes.
Most of you reading this won’t know me. Yet. But hopefully through Talented Young People you can learn a little more about who I am and what I do.
Entrepreneurial Spirit, I believe, comes from within. I found mine at 8 years old – organising a Bring and Buy Sale to raise money for the Blue Peter Appeal at the time. £241 towards my first million – the only flaw being it had to go to charity…
Things have progressed since then though. I got involved with Young Enterprise – a scheme I highly praise – at the age of 16 – and started to sell products from my local area. We were highly successful with our product, and I had plans to leave it all behind and become the next Kate Silverton and study journalism at Uni. I am also a great believer that when you find a great thing, or your passion in life, don’t let it go. So I didn’t. To many teachers’ horrors, I gave up my place at University to begin my journey into the unknown world of business. For me it was the right thing to do – after 13 years in education I needed something to practically challenge me. I was bored of classroom learning (The value of X just didn’t mentally stimulate me.) Many people told me I was making a huge mistake, that at 18 I didn’t know anything about the world and I’d be walked over. So I decided that in order to avoid that, I’d get out there and start learning about it.
2006 saw me win Entrepreneur of the Year at the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards and that made my mind up. My passion was for the world of business. I began to make my mark on the business world step by step. I’m coming towards the end of my first financial year and the figures look healthy. Plus, I’ve had the chance to provide gifts for a London firm for the Cannes Film Festival… suuuuuuuuper cool. Although I never did get that date with Ben Affleck…
Anyway, that’s an intro from me: make sure you keep checking up on the blog for more updates about my life as a young entrepreneur.
Check out my website by going to:
www.caledoniangifts.co.uk
