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Young Scottish lathe driver creates business growth with support from Business Gateway
A Highland wood turning business run by an 18-year-old is now able to produce products more streamlined after the business owner accessed expert start-up support from Business Gateway.
Daniel Stewart started woodturning in 2020 when he was just 14 years old after receiving a lathe as a gift from his grandmother. He now runs his own business, Daniel Stewart Woodturning.
His craft is completely self-taught, with Daniel learning through online videos and honing his skills, bringing a modern twist to a traditional craft.
Woodturning is the process of shaping wood into functional and decorative items using a lathe. Unlike other forms of woodworking, where the tools remain stationary, in woodturning, the wood is mounted on a lathe and turned while a skilled craftsman uses hand tools to carve and shape it.
He started his business in 2020 and now sells bowls and platters made from wood he finds on his property in Garve.
The products are all finished with Danish oil and beeswax, both of which are food-safe, so customers can use them however they like. Customers can also order a custom piece of work that is tailored to their needs.
Daniel’s business also offers French polishing and furniture restoration services.
Despite a steady stream of sales, Daniel faced limitations due to the equipment he was using. He couldn’t afford to upgrade to more powerful tools that would allow him to work more efficiently.
He approached Business Gateway, who gave him advice and helped him benefit from a Highland Council start-up grant. The funding allowed him to purchase new equipment, meaning he could produce more products and do so in a more streamlined way, saving time and allowing him to create additional parts.
Daniel said: “The support I received from Business Gateway allowed me to purchase equipment that I would not have been able to afford otherwise.
“This has helped simplify my work and allowed me to create new products as well as work faster to produce existing products. The Business Gateway team has been very supportive.”
Marianne Ross, Business Gateway Consultant, said: “Seeing someone as young as Daniel with his passion shows that business is for all ages, no matter how young or old. It’s great to see how our support has helped Daniel create new products and bring more customers to the business.”