Fernagh Sheds, Omagh Co. Tyrone

Written by goforitni Thursday, 20 October 2011

Christopher's woodworking success

Encouraged by family and friends, woodworker Christopher turned his favourite pastime into a full-time career – thanks to the support provided by Invest Northern Ireland's Go for it programme.  

Up for the challenge of being his own boss and running his own business, Christopher is the force behind Fernagh Sheds – the company he set up a few miles outside Omagh after realising there was a gap in the market for quality built-to-order garden sheds.

"I have always had an interest in working with wood. During college and university holidays, I made a number of sheds for family and friends – all of whom were delighted with the eye-catching detail and quality of what they got. It made sense to look into it from a business perspective."

Interested in taking his idea forward, Christopher signed up for Invest NI's Go for it programme, which he credits with helping him to achieve the solid success he now enjoys.

"I learned about all aspects of running a business and I also had access to a one-to-one business mentor who couldn't have been more helpful. Attending the programme was great for networking with like-minded people and to listen to the challenges they faced. It also enabled me to put a sound business plan together and members from the Go for it programme were always on hand when I needed any expert help or advice."

Christopher said he was particularly thankful for information on marketing and finance, which he admits were areas he needed some assistance: "Invest NI's Go for it programme helped to translate all that knowledge so it could be easily used in practice."

Firmly established and with his sights on expansion, Christopher's business manufactures and supplies high-quality custom-made timber products to both retailers and customers alike. And although initially set up to supply made-to-order garden sheds, garages, summer houses, patio decking and dog kennels, the business now designs and supplies products such as stables and children's playhouses.

"The business has been very successful so far," said Christopher. "Although much of my order book is made up of customers in Northern Ireland, I have a growing customer base in the Republic of Ireland and I'm keen to expand that.

"Running a business can be challenging at times," he added. "But I love being my own boss, making my own decisions and learning from my own mistakes. And while the support of family and good friends is essential, the right business support is essential too. Fortunately for me, Invest NI's Go for it programme provided me with exactly what I needed at exactly the right time."

The Go for it programme is provided by Invest Northern Ireland and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund. For details, log onto: www.goforitni.com.