HAYM (that’s Scots for home!) is an independent homeware and lifestyle shop located on Carnoustie’s High Street. Owner Janice Reid, inspired by her love for family, home, and great design, opened shop in 2021, carefully curating a beautiful selection of products, many from local and Scottish independent designers, helping you create a space that truly expresses who you are.

HAYM is all about inspiring you to make your home your own. It’s a convenient and unique shopping experience, offering a range of exclusive, unique, and sustainable products that you won’t find just anywhere.

In today’s challenging economic climate, Janice was keen to find ways to save on costs through energy efficiencies. This wasn’t just about saving money, though; it was also about being kinder to the environment, making the shop look even better, and improving the overall experience for her customers. She identified a few key areas for improvement, like replacing doors and upgrading the lighting, and that’s where Angus Council’s SME Start & Grow Grant came in.

Thanks to the grant, HAYM has seen some fantastic upgrades. The old, single-glazed timber front door has been replaced with a new, energy-efficient double-glazed aluminium door. Janice noticed an immediate difference in terms of heat loss – no more chilly drafts! The old timber back door, which was letting in water, has also been swapped for a new, energy-efficient uPVC door. This means the back shop can now be used for packing orders and makes their click-and-collect service even smoother for customers.

They’ve also invested in new energy-efficient ceiling track LED lighting. This isn’t just about saving energy (it uses 80% less than traditional halogen bulbs and lasts five times longer, reducing CO2 emissions!), it also allows them to perfectly direct light onto their beautiful products and even dim the lights to create different ambiances for various events.

Owner Janice Reid said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Angus Council for providing financial assistance through the grant funding for our new doors and lighting. The entire process was clear and straightforward, with excellent guidance and support provided at every stage by both my Business Gateway advisor and Council officer. At a challenging time for retail, this funding has made a real difference, allowing me to invest in essential improvements that might not have been possible otherwise.”

HAYM is absolutely thrilled with these improvements! The new doors and lighting not only make the shop look even more inviting but will also lead to significant long-term cost savings and improved energy efficiency, benefiting both the business and the environment. Janice is already looking ahead, hoping to make further improvements in the future, including a replacement front window, increased insulation, and a new heating system.

The Angus Council SME Start & Grow Business Grants were funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Grants were delivered by Angus Council’s Invest in Angus team, supported by Business Gateway.