An Angus businessman had a surprise boost for his new business venture this week when the Burns Night celebrations brought a rush demand for one of his products—thistles from Zimbabwe!

Stead Nicolle, 28, director of Sandico (UK) Ltd. said, “I was amazed at the rush in demand we had for thistles this week for the Burns Night celebrations. It’s a bit like taking coals to Newcastle—I’m bringing thistles to Scotland!”

Mr Nicolle is doubly pleased by this success as he and his wife Nicky only launched their business, which imports fresh cut flowers from Zimbabwe, in November. His business launch was supported by Tayside Business Gateway. Mr Nicolle said “We had been planning the launch for some time. It was the first time I had been in business for myself and there was a lot to learn. The Business Gateway helped with training, e-business courses, information research, and they were also able to assist with start-up funding.”

Jim Stewart of Tayside Business Gateway said “Stead and Nicky had a great business idea. By importing flowers direct to Scotland instead of through Holland and England, he saves two days in the travel time, so his customers get a fresher product at a better price. We were able to give Sandico a range of support measures to assist their launch including a £1000 start-up grant designed to help young people get their ideas off the ground.” The Business Gateway is the one-stop shop for the support of small businesses and can be contacted on 0845 645 6611.

Stead Nicolle said “This is a steep learning curve for us, as we only received our first shipment of flowers on the 17th of November. The market is constantly changing, with each season bringing its own requirements. After Burns Night our next big event will be Valentine’s Day, and then there are Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and other events, plus the wedding season which will begin in May.”

Sandico’s operation in Zimbabwe is headed up by Stead’s brother-in-law, John Sandall, who organises the buying and shipping of the flowers, while Stead looks after the marketing and supply and Nicky is in charge of the administration of the business. Stead estimates the firm’s first year turnover will approach £75,000 and he intends to build on that in future years. At present Sandico has one part-time employee, but plans are already in place to recruit more staff. Sandico is based at Gilchorn Farm near Arbroath.

Originally from Harare in Zimbabwe, Stead Nicolle met his future wife, then Nicky Stirling, while studying Horticulture in Edinburgh. He and Nicky were married in 2004. After a brief stint working as a diver in the North Sea, Stead and his wife turned their attentions to the launch of Sandico Ltd. The couple also live at Gilchorn.