Northton deli and bakery expands operations

About the business

Temple Harris was launched in 2019 after sole shareholder and director, Amanda Saurin, purchased Temple Café, based in Northton on the west coast of Harris. Originally a café, Amanda made the radical decision to change it to a deli, bakery and takeaway business to survive Covid lockdowns. It also allowed her to integrate Harris botanicals into all aspects of the business.

How Business Gateway has helped

Business Gateway and their team provided advice and support in developing Amanda’s `business plan.

Amanda accessed £2,500 grant funding from the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneurs Fund (OHYESS), which is fully funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway. This allowed the business to purchase new equipment for the bakery in Northton.

Recently, Amanda was able to purchase and renovated new, larger premises based in Leverburgh that will accommodate additional service lines, including a coffee roastery, seaweed, drinks, and smokery, with the products sold in the deli in Northton and in high end stores across the UK.

A loan of £50,000 from the Comhairle’s Revolving Loan Fund, which is delivered by Business Gateway, contributed to the purchase of the new premises, alongside a significant investment of her own savings, which has given the business the space and storage required for future growth.

Amanda, Owner, Temple Harris said: “Business Gateway has helped me every step of the way as I’ve set about making Temple Harris a destination attraction for local people and visitors alike, allowing everyone to enjoy the best of what we have to offer.

“Thanks to a variety of support along the way, which included help with an ambitious business plan, and signposting to funding, Business Gateway has helped make my vision become a reality, and I can’t wait to see where we go next.”

Derek MacLean, Business Gateway, said: “Business Gateway and our team of advisers are highly knowledgeable about possible routes to funding for new and growing businesses. It’s great to see how Amanda has been able to use this to access the support she needed and expand with confidence, acquiring key equipment, property, and funding as she establishes her business in South Harris. I have every faith the business will go from strength to strength and become a cornerstone of the community and a destination for tourists.”