Dr Karen-Ann Dicken, a jeweller with over 18 years of teaching experience, established the Highland School of Jewellery to address a lack of learning opportunities in the craft within the region.

Supported by self-employed jewellery designer, Thomas Lacroix, the pair built a workshop from reclaimed materials including fence posts, stable doors and other sustainable resources.

Dr Dicken went onto launch the business in August last year and was met with a very positive reception from locals and visitors alike.

Highland School of Jewellery’s specialist subject areas reach a wide range of areas, from digital technologies to stone setting and casting. A range of self-employed jewellers deliver classes to aspiring jewellers in the local area, while a group of highly qualified academics teach one-off masterclasses in specialist techniques.

The school also delivers a range of tourist workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to craft their own jewellery pieces under expert guidance, allowing them to immerse themselves in traditional and contemporary jewellery-making techniques while taking home a handmade souvenir from the Highlands.

Dr Dicken had always thought about setting up her own school but had never found the right time. After completing a PhD, which explored how digital technologies can be utilised to make tooling for jewellery-making and handcraft, she realised it was now or never and approached Business Gateway for support.

She attended Business Gateway webinars and received one-to-one support locally through a dedicated start-up business adviser, who provided advice on her business plan, company regulations and funding opportunities.

Through Business Gateway support, Dr Dicken was also able to access funding from The Highland Council Start-up grant fund, which went towards supply and operational costs for the workshop.

Highland School of Jewellery has sold out of evening classes over the next ten weeks. Dr Dicken now has plans for the business to become a Community Interest Company, meaning the business model will be designed to benefit the community.

Dr Dicken said: “I’m incredibly grateful to Business Gateway for their ongoing support as I grow my jewellery practice here in the Highlands.

“Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me take this next step, from refining my business strategy to establishing my presence in the local community.”

Dianne Swanepoel, Business Gateway Highland Start-up adviser, said: “It’s been a pleasure to support Karen on her business journey. Her creativity and commitment to the jewellery-making craft is truly inspiring, so it’s fantastic to see Highland School of Jewellery thrive.

“We’re proud to have played a part in helping them turn their vision into a growing business.”