Case studies: Little Ironies

Bespoke metalwork business, Little Ironies, is going from strength to strength thanks to the Women into Business (WIB) programmes.

The Broughty Ferry design and Manufacturing company was only launched last year, but its creator Joanne Moody is already winning commissions to supply trophies to prestigious events, including VisitScotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards.

Joanne graduated in interior architecture and relocated to Scotland from Wiltshire in 1999. She then gained professional qualifications in welding and fabrication. But it was while doing her postgraduate course in entrepreneurship in 2003 at Abertay University that Little Ironies came into being.

Joanne said: “I generated interest in the business while doing my course, but it didn’t officially launch until the start of 2004. As I was working on my own then, I knew I would benefit from attending the WIB Networking events and the support they offer to start up businesses.

“With a design business, promoting your products is like putting yourself on display – it’s very personal.

“The meetings helped build my confidence and gave me the chance to discuss ideas with other people who were also setting up in business.”

She also attended meetings as part of Business Gateway’s Microcredit Programme and is now working with a mentor to help take her business to the next level.

Joanne is kept busy with a variety of commissions for private and corporate clients including production of gates, furniture, and sculpture.