Business Gateway support hits the right note for Oban band
When Ewan Macdonald and his friends decided to set up a band they approached Argyll and Bute Council’s Business Gateway because while they wanted to focus on the music, they realised the importance of developing their business skills.
Spotting a gap in the market after meeting on the Argyll Ceilidh Trail, a tour of the region that involved musicians performing 15 gigs in 14 days, Ewan, 21, and Malcolm Clark, 19, formed Ceol an Aire. Since then, the line-up has been finalised with the addition of Ruairidh Morrison, 18 and most recently, piper Angus-John MacColl, 19.
Ceol an Aire is now in demand to perform at concerts, weddings, ceilidhs and fundraisers, with their fan base growing considerably over the last few months.
Ewan said: “The Ceilidh Trail was such a success that people wanted the same style of group to be available throughout the year and that’s when we realised we could fill that gap. Malcolm, Ruairidh and I formalised our line up with Angus-John last year and since then we have grown as a business. Our album last year was fantastic and this year we have many exciting opportunities
“Although we are a band and we also have other jobs, we wanted Ceol an Aire to be run properly, with a business plan and investment, such as purchasing our own van which we have done this month. We met with a Business Gateway adviser who went over the basics of starting up a business, and although surprisingly, we had most of the bases covered, it was great to have that reassurance we were doing things right. We also accessed advice on accounting and web design and we plan to attend Business Gateway’s free courses on areas we would like to be more skilled at.”
Angela Vernel, the Business Gateway adviser who supported the band added: “Ewan and his fellow band members have done fantastically well in spotting a gap in the market and filling it with their modern, fresh and energetic music. They were conscious that it would be beneficial to ensure they ran the band as a business and we have helped and advised them on issues such as bookkeeping and accounts.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help you set up and develop your own business call 01546 604555 or visit www.bgateway.com