A soap making social business in Inverness which nearly went bust is back in business.
Products from social enterprise Ness Soap are back on the shelves thanks to a rescue bid from the Calman Trust, which aims to support young people throughout the Highlands.
Calman has invested heavily to rebuild the Ness Soap business, now re-named Ness Handmade Toiletries, after it went into liquidation last year.
Following improvements to the product formula, two of the most popular ranges are now for sale. These are Bog Myrtle, Lemon and Lavender, plus Lemongrass and Lime.
Both are made using the finest natural ingredients and essential oils and can be purchased from the popular bistro, Cafe Artysans, on Strothers Lane in the city centre, as well as online.
The business sells a range of products from natural, handmade soap, to body and bath products.
Scott Murray, Ness Handmade Toiletries manager, said: “We’re delighted to have this fantastic range of handmade toiletries available for sale again, and so it seems, are our customers. Products are literally flying out the door.
“This is a high quality product that inspires strong customer loyalty, and working to a high standard is a great way for 16 young people coming through Calman Trust every year to learn the skills that will take them into future employment.
“As the Ness Handmade Toiletries brand grows again it will provide more and more opportunities for the area’s young people. They learn all aspects of the business while working here, from administration of orders and customer care, to production and despatch.”
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “I would like to congratulate the Calman Trust for bringing one of Inverness’ best known brands back to market.
“People are becoming more and more conscious of how they spend their money and are pleased to give something back to their local community. It’s just fantastic that a business which supports young people in our region is back on its feet.”
Calman Trust currently provides support and training for around 400 young school or home leavers who want to develop skills for living and working.
The organisation already owns a number of successful trading ventures including the popular Cafe Artysans and its sister company, Made by Artysans.