Business Survey Prize Draw Winner - Kyle's Collection

Gateway to London offered every business that took part in the 2007 survey the chance to win a case of champagne. After receiving all the surveys, the firm first out of the hat was Kyle's Collection, a niche jewellery manufacturer based in Forest Gate with an impressive and interesting business history as well as a worldwide clientele.

Kyle's Collection owner Malkit Dadi set up the company in 1990 with his wife Nisha after they were inspired by their then home on the Kyles of Bute, off the Scottish coast.

Designing, manufacturing and running the business from their spare room meant that Malkit and Nisha grew their business very successfully in a relatively short period of time - but they soon realised that, as sheep outnumbered people on the island, they needed to move south to be closer to their customers. After conducting a poll amongst regular clients and doing research whilst taking part in trade shows and exhibitions, they concluded that moving south of Manchester would mean they could cater for all of their customers without having to travel huge distances.

Their research told them that Thames Gateway London already had an excellent reputation for small, niche ethnic companies and so in 1997, they moved to Green Street, in Forest Gate. Initially, they rented a small shop, but it soon became clear that they would stay, and expand the business, in the area. Later moving fifty yards down the road to their current store, they have now been in Green Street for over ten years, building a loyal customer base.

"People know Green Street", said Malkit when he spoke to Gateway to London. "They can come to one street for all their needs, visiting family run businesses who will cater for them in a way that bigger companies just can't. We offer a personal service and the fact that we are so close to so many other related companies is a huge bonus".

Kyles Collection continues to expand and grow, and have recently converted their basement workshop in to a bridal dressing room, moving the jewellery makers to a workshop a few streets away.

Such is the current level of success, and with internet sales from abroad boosting the business, that Gateway to London are on hand to help Kyles Collection when they consider investing in a larger workshop. As most of their staff are local to the area and the company has built up a strong reputation, they want to stay close to their current base in Thames Gateway London, which is of course one of Gateway to London's specialties.