Scott Gilbert and Paige Nicholls are a couple and were both made redundant as a result of the pandemic. Both worked in Retail, however, Scott had studied sound engineering previously and had always wanted to pursue this. Scott and Paige have a passion for music and enjoy going to festivals and following and supporting local bands. They decided that because of their situation, they would begin a recording studio/rehearsal space as well as selling second-hand instruments and music supplies. They began the NEA in December 2020. As they have never been self-employed, we went through marketing, requirements for premises, bookkeeping and HMRC, insurance, as well as any other queries/concerns they had regarding starting up. We developed their business plan and they commenced trading in February 2021. Scott and Paige used the NEA payments towards securing premises in Dunfermline and equipment for the studio. It was an extremely challenging time to set up as restrictions meant that they could not open to allow bands to rehearse etc. We provided ongoing support and they took this time as an opportunity to get the studio ready for when they could open. Meanwhile they began to sell music supplies online and hosted online gigs/networking opportunities for musicians. They were extremely successful and managed to build a good presence and following through social media and within the local community. Scott and Paige completed their 26-week trading in August 2021 and the studio and rehearsal space is going from strength to strength. With restrictions now easing and concerts and events opening up again, they are receiving a lot of bookings, sales and enquiries.

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