An award-winning sculptor is exporting products internationally and is on track for a six-figure turnover after she accessed expert guidance and support from Business Gateway.
Inspired by the matrix of food production, Fake Food Workshop creates high-quality and realistic fake food sculptures for a range of uses, including in theatre, television, interior décor and marketing. Owner, Kerry Samantha Boyes, uses a range of sculptural techniques and creative disciplines to replicate food, including weighing, mixing, and layering.
Guided by “everyday nosh”, the business, launched in 2018, exports fake food sculptures all over the world, with clients including esteemed international names like Warner Bros, Guggenheim Museum, and Walt Disney Imagineering, as well as renowned UK clients including National Trust Properties, Heinz, BBC, Jo Malone and Selfridges.
Fake Food Workshop’s ice-cream replicas, which mimic classic flavours, featured in the blockbuster Barbie movie in 2023.
With 30 years of experience in the UK Heritage & Visual Arts Sector, Kerry had successfully carved a niche in the market with her business and enjoyed international demand for her unique products. On a mission to grow her business and meet an increased demand from overseas, Kerry approached Business Gateway for support.
Kerry accessed a suite of Business Gateway’s growth business services, including one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on hiring and specialist support on international exporting.
Kerry also accessed logistics and exporting advice through Business Gateway’s Expert Help programme, which was crucial for developing a plan to meet the increased demand from customers, as well as navigating complex exporting regulations and logistics.
Through Business Gateway, Kerry also attended webinars with a dedicated focus on producing engaging online content, and used the skills learned to develop her website and social media presence.
Kerry is now forecasting growth from £43k to £130k in three years, with exporting sales accounting for approximately 50% of this turnover. Fake Food Workshop has now relocated to Dumfries and Galloway, and, with support from Business Gateway, Kerry is looking into Employment Guarantee to take on her first part-time member of staff.
Kerry Samantha Boyes, Owner, Fake Food Workshop, said: “Last year, as demand surged, I sought guidance from Business Gateway on exporting products. Their invaluable support and expertise have been instrumental in the business’ success.
“Recently, my family and I relocated both home and business to Kirkcudbright, renowned as The Artist's Town in Dumfries and Galloway. We've established a specialised workshop and store and look forward to opening our doors to the public during Spring Fling ’24. January has already been fruitful with exciting international and UK enquiries, and we look forward to building more extraordinary fake food.”
Jeff Hume, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Exporting internationally can be challenging, but it can also open up significant growth opportunities for businesses like Fake Food Workshop. We were able to support Kerry with a range of our growth business support, which has been instrumental in her increasing export sales.”
To find out how Business Gateway could help your business, visit: https://bgateway.com.