Sisters-in-law Hazel and Kirsty McMartin are planning to expand their Linlithgow-based Styled by Macs clothing boutique after securing funding from the British Business Bank.

The entrepreneurs, who have left behind full-time careers in the financial services sector to focus on the boutique, are targeting customers across the UK following the success of their business in its first 18 months. They have secured a loan from DSL Business Finance. This loan has been delivered as part of the British Business Bank’s start up loans programme, to enable expansion.

The British Business Bank said: “Following a string of recent fashion shows and pop-ups, Styled by Macs has already started attracting new customers from further afield, giving Hazel and Kirsty the push to try and reach even more clients across the UK via the online store and social media.

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“Future plans for the business include potential expansion into a larger store in Linlithgow, with the hopes of hiring new employees. Hazel and Kirsty are also keen to diversify the business to include colour analysis services, personal shopping experiences and an underwear range to complement the clothing on offer."

The boutique, on Linlithgow’s High Street, stocks a range of ladies’ clothing, occasion wear and accessories, catering for sizes eight to 20. It is open seven days a week.

The British Business Bank said: “Having always had an interest in fashion, Hazel and Kirsty both decided to leave behind full-time financial services careers to focus on Styled by Macs, which began as an online offering in 2022. The pair are passionate about providing stylish, affordable clothing for women of all sizes, helping them feel confident and comfortable in outfits for every occasion.

“Styled by Macs follows a family tradition of incorporating the surname into business names. Kirsty previously owned Mrs Mac’s Bakery, while Hazel and her husband, Grant, ran Mac’s of Linlithgow, a beloved local ice-cream parlour which they sold last year.”

Hazel McMartin said: “Following a couple of tough years for our family, we both decided to step away from the corporate world and, with our love for fashion, decided to take the next step and launch Styled by Macs. We started as a small online boutique, and it has been amazing to see the business grow to what it is today. Every day we get to help women feel confident in clothing that they love, and we want to provide this for others all over the UK through an improved online experience.

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“The funding from DSL Business Finance and the British Business Bank’s start up loans programme will enable us to enhance our social media marketing, upgrade our website and bring in even more stock. These improvements will help us better engage with our loyal customers and attract new ones, while showcasing our latest product lines. We are excited to see what the future holds for Styled by Macs.”

Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK network, Scotland, at the British Business Bank, said: “The start up loans programme was designed to enable entrepreneurs like Kirsty and Hazel to access funding through alternative avenues, helping local businesses to thrive. It is great to see a family business achieving such success and deciding to take the next step, expanding its customer base to reach shoppers all over the UK.”

Iain Burnside, chief operating officer of DSL Business Finance, said: “We are delighted to support Hazel and Kirsty McMartin as they embark on the next phase of growth for Styled by Macs. Their passion for fashion and dedication to offering stylish, affordable clothing for women of all sizes is truly inspiring.

"Their comprehensive business plan and cash-flow forecast clearly demonstrated growth potential and effective use of funds. The planned website development and shop refit reflect a solid strategy for expanding both online and physical operations. We look forward to witnessing the continued success of Styled by Macs.”