Spirit Labels: Renfrew’s speciality label makers

Tom Lightbody from Spirit Labels in Renfrew discusses his enterprise and instrumental early dealings with Renfrewshire’s Business Gateway

Tell us about your business and the services you offer.

We’re Spirit Labels Ltd, speciality label makers dedicated to the craft of servicing the Whisky and Spirits sector in Scotland and beyond. We offer a unique service, blending the craftsmanship of traditional print with state-of-the-art Digital Print from our custom-built facility at Westway in Renfrew.

What made you start up your own business?

We set out to serve the Scotch Whisky and Spirit Industry, as an independent, Scottish-owned, pioneering company and built a team of hand selected experts in their fields to provide a level of end-to-end service that our customers simply can’t find elsewhere. From day one, our vision has been to lead with the highest example of customer service, innovation and label production, for others to follow. 

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How did Business Gateway help you achieve this?

Business Gateway were fantastic, quick and responsive from the outset. They visited our facility and took the time to hear and understand our ambition. From there, they outlined their range of services, and for anything beyond their scope, they made external introductions to those that could help. Speed of service is important, and to this end, Business Gateway were incredibly helpful in explaining their services and importantly, guiding us through the process. They have a willing and proactive attitude, which is needed in this day and age, especially for new start-ups.

Which BG services do you use to this day?

Business Gateway offers a host of services, including Training Support, Seminars, Surgeries, Expert Help and access to Grants, and in truth, all of them are excellent. We try to make use of them all, but our main focus has been on training, there is so much to learn through networking and participating in these events.

What advice would you give someone looking to startup?

Being self-employed isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life and a passion. You’ll need to put in long hours and effort, often, without immediate financial reward. Be prepared for personal and financial sacrifice but do make sure to take time out along the way to recharge, both for yourself and for your family. Set your budgets, track and manage, but above all, don’t just prioritise the financials. Focus on doing the right thing for your customers and stakeholders. By doing the right thing, you give yourself the best possible chance that success will follow.

To find out how Business Gateway can help you, visit their website, call 0141 530 2406 or email re**********@******ay.com