Client Testimonials
Chocolate Box
When former printer Graham Golisti decided on a total change of career, by opening his own high-class chocolate shop, he turned to Watson Buckle for help.
Graham had known the firm, and managing partner Susan Sedgwick, for over 20 years, so when he spotted a gap in the market for a store selling high-quality chocolate gifts – made to his own specifications from natural ingredients – he immediately sought her advice.
After securing a local supplier and opening a shop in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, business proved brisk, with plans now in place to expand the chain with more shops in the surrounding area, in line with the advice provided by Susan.
Graham said: “Susan was my accountant for over 20 years while I was working in the printing industry, but with some of the changes going on in that sector, it wasn’t proving profitable any more.
“When I had my idea for the chocolate shop, I approached her for advice on the structure of the company and whether our business plan was viable in the current climate. We then had to look at suppliers and find suitable premises.
“The chocolate are made in the Yorkshire Dales to a variety of designs and sold at our shop in Thirsk. One of our most popular products is our ‘killer heels’ range – shoes made out of chocolate which are very popular, especially among those ladies who are keen on both!
“It’s early days, but business so far has exceeded all our expectations – money may be tight at the moment but people will still pay more for a premium product.
“The plan is obviously to firmly establish our first shop in Thirsk, then branch out and open a second shop, and continue to open one a year for the next three years. The following stage in the five-year plan worked out with Susan will be to franchise the Giftag Chocolate Box brand.”