John and Benny Robinson
Owners: John and Benny Robinson
Business Name: Millwood Crafts
Business Location: Benburb, Co Armagh
Business Launched: May 2005
What where you doing before you started the business?
We kept suckler cows on our 25 acre family farm outside Benburb, but this was too small to support two growing families, so we started an agricultural machinery repair business in one of the farm sheds.
As the years went by the nature of farming changed, with much of the work being done by contractors who supplied and maintained their own machinery. This meant that the demand for our repair services dropped off. We realised we needed to find something else to do.
Why did you choose the type of business that you did?
About seven or eight years ago John made a toy farm for his children to play with. It proved to be a real hit with them and their friends. So much so, that some of the parents asked us to make model farms for their families. Encouraged by this we made some sample models and took them to ploughing matches and agricultural shows to test the market, and our new business was born!
What resources did you have to begin with?
We had a shed on the farm, which we have now fitted out to provide workshop, storage, office and showroom space. Having trained and worked in agricultural engineering, both Benny and I have good practical skills when it comes to designing and making good quality, detailed, working models.
What prompted you to go ahead with the idea?
People were really interested in the models we took to the agricultural shows and we got quite a few orders. We also took part in the DARD Diversification Challenge – Business Planning programme which helped us to investigate the new business fully and plan its development.
What have you found to be the benefits of starting your own business?
We get a lot of satisfaction from seeing children play with our model farms. Apart from that we are able to stay on the farm and continue to enjoy a rural way of life. We get on well together and have a good working relationship, sparking ideas off each other, coming up with new designs, and solving problems. One son is already working with us full time, and the rest of the family are there to help out at busy times.
What advice would you give anyone thinking of starting a new business?
- Do your market research thoroughly and make sure you can provide what your customers want.
- Talk to people who know and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Keep an eye on the money coming into and going out of the business – aim to keep a healthy cash flow.
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