Sutherland woman wins young entrepreneur of the year at Scottish awards
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A Sutherland businesswoman has won the young entrepreneur award at the Celebrating Small Business Awards.
Sandie Gordon, owner of Candles from the Croft, claimed the accolade at the awards organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland.
Sandie's venture started last year and she is dedicated to crafting candles and fragrances sourced entirely from her Altass land.
Emphasising sustainability, cruelty-free practices, and vegan friendly products, every aspect of Sandie's offerings, down to the hand-poured glass jars, adheres to these principles. Foraging the family-owned croft, she utilises natural products to create an array of distinctive scents, including Highland gorse, wild mint and Scottish heather.
FSB Scotland said: "Sandie Gordon is an ambitious and driven young entrepreneur nestled in the North. She realised there was a gap in the market within her local area and began extensive market research before registering her business Candles from the Croft. Her main goal was to achieve an affordable product with that of luxurious quality.
"As her research deepened, she realised there was so much more than just a one-time purchase to offer, she could offer a sustainable product while using and benefiting the land of the Croft she was brought up on around her."
Pauline Weddell, FSB Scotland region group chairperson, added: “Congratulations to all this year’s Scotland FSB Celebrating Small Business Award winners.
“It’s been another challenging year for our smallest operators, but also another year where we’ve been inundated with fantastic entries from across the country representing every sector and demographic.
“All of the 2024 winners deserve the utmost recognition for their innovation, tenacity and vibrancy – qualities that characterise our small business community.”
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards showcase the best small businesses from the length and breadth of the country, offering national recognition for those who have made the biggest impression over the last 12 months. Finalists across 12 UK areas now proceed to the national finals taking place at an awards ceremony on May 9 in Blackpool.
Pauline added:“Businesses from Scotland have a long and strong tradition of success at the FSB UK final, with two Scottish finalists scooping top prizes in 2023. I have no doubt this year’s finalists from Scotland will put on another strong show and I’d like to wish all those attending the very best of luck.”
