Small businesses and SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to the local community. With their determination and hard work, these small businesses are constantly finding ways to stand out and succeed in a competitive market. One such inspiring success story is that of Woven Whisky, a blended whisky firm co-founded by Pete Allison. In an exclusive interview with Small Business UK, Pete shares his journey and how their recent win at the Edinburgh pop-up shop has been a game-changer for their brand.
Pete, along with his business partner, Alex Davis, always had a passion for whisky. However, they noticed a gap in the market for a blended whisky that was accessible and affordable for the younger generation. This led to the birth of Woven Whisky, a brand that combines traditional whisky-making techniques with a modern twist. The name itself represents the weaving together of different whisky styles and flavors to create a unique and smooth blend.
Since its launch in 2018, Woven Whisky has been making waves in the industry, gaining recognition for its quality and taste. However, like any small business, they faced challenges along the way, especially in terms of marketing and reaching their target audience. That’s when they decided to enter the Edinburgh pop-up shop competition, an opportunity that would change the game for Woven Whisky.
The Edinburgh pop-up shop competition is a prestigious event that gives small businesses a chance to showcase their products in the heart of the city’s bustling shopping district. With hundreds of applicants, the competition was fierce, but Woven Whisky’s unique concept and high-quality product stood out, and they were announced as the third winner of the competition.
Winning the Edinburgh pop-up shop has been a game-changer for Woven Whisky in many ways. Firstly, it provided them with a prime location to showcase their brand and reach a wider audience. Pete shares, “Being in the heart of Edinburgh, surrounded by other small businesses, has been a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our customers and get valuable feedback.” The pop-up shop also allowed them to interact with other small business owners and build valuable connections within the local community.
Apart from the exposure and networking opportunities, the pop-up shop win also gave Woven Whisky a chance to test their product in a physical retail space. “We primarily sold our whisky online, so having a physical store allowed us to see how customers react to our product and packaging in person,” says Pete. This helped them understand their customers’ preferences and make necessary adjustments to their marketing and branding strategy.
The pop-up shop also saw a significant increase in sales for Woven Whisky, with many customers becoming repeat buyers. This success has given the brand a boost in confidence and has opened doors for future collaborations and partnerships. “The exposure and recognition we received from the pop-up shop have been invaluable for our brand’s growth,” says Pete.
Woven Whisky’s success story is a testament to the power of small businesses and the impact they can make with determination and perseverance. Pete’s advice to other small business owners is to never give up and take every opportunity that comes their way. He also stresses the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry.
In conclusion, Woven Whisky’s win at the Edinburgh pop-up shop has been a game-changer for the brand, providing them with exposure, networking opportunities, and a chance to test their product in a physical retail space. With their unique concept and quality product, Woven Whisky is a shining example of how small businesses can succeed and make a significant impact in a competitive market. We wish them all the best for their future endeavors.