Aberdeen-based Boozy Events has expanded its cocktail masterclass business into 15 countries during lockdown.
Cameron Esson and business partner Gregor Sey were unable to provide their usual service in Scotland due to Covid restrictions.
But helped by advice from Business Gateway, they switched instead to virtual classes, sending cocktail kits to customers in advance.
They have since delivered 1,600 virtual experiences to customers across more than 15 countries including Germany, Spain, Greece, India, and the US. Customers have included major global companies.
Esson, who started the firm in 2018, said: “The past four months have been very challenging for the events industry across the board. However, thanks to the skills and confidence I gained working with Business Gateway, we were able to identify opportunities for survival and growth through the provision of virtual drinks experiences to a wide range of consumers as well as organisations including American Express, Accenture and Premier Oil.”
As part of Business Gateway’s Growth Pipeline programme, Esson and Sey already received one-to-one support on business plans, company regulations, funding, and marketing.
During lockdown, Boozy Events organised and delivered cocktail kits to virtual fundraising events for CHAS and Charlie House, helping to raise thousands of pounds.
Gordon Mackay, growth business adviser at Business Gateway, said, “Covid-19 has presented an unparalleled challenge to events and entertainment businesses like Cameron’s. However, his ambition and effective leadership has ensured that Boozy Events was able to adapt quickly and respond to changing customer demands.
“It can be hard to have the confidence to make major changes to how your business operates, but these last few weeks have demonstrated how vital it is if firms are going to survive the effects of the pandemic.
"At Business Gateway, we recognise this and are available to provide specialist and impartial advice across the country as businesses work through this difficult trading period.”
