Fashion brand proves sustainability is on trend after making it to competition final 

About the business

Tapping into Scottish tourism, Falling Leaf is a sustainable clothing brand based in Stirling and uses photography to create unique prints to inspire people to get out into the wild and enjoy what nature has to offer.

How Business Gateway has helped

Having been set up during a COVID-19 lockdown, Falling Leaf looked to try and create positive and inspirational clothing during tough times.

They also took part and came fourth in #THEHEAT21, a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style competition for the Forth Valley region, run by Business Gateway. This provided the brand with exposure and they also accessed assistance to help build a better website and improve brand presence.

Lindsay Galloway-Hall at Falling Leaf, said: “Starting a business during lockdown has presented challenges, however, thanks to Business Gateway Forth Valley’s #THEHEAT21 competition, I was able to gain exposure for my business, while making valuable connections in the local community. I’m still in the early stages of developing my business and I found everyone’s enthusiasm for and successes in their own ventures really inspiring. Validation from the judges has given me a real confidence boost, so I will continue to work with Business Gateway, using their service to help grow and develop Falling Leaf, taking it to the next level.”

Jenn McArthur, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Business Gateway Forth Valley’s #THEHEAT21 competition has been highly effective in giving local businesses the exposure and networking opportunities to grow their brand. While the ongoing circumstances are not what anyone could have predicted, it has been brilliant to see how Lindsay has grown Falling Leaf and made sustainable clothing more accessible.”

What’s next?

Through Business Gateway’s one-to-one business support, Falling Leaf is in the process of receiving IT & Marketing ERDF support via their Business Gateway adviser.