Strung Out Guitars

Strung Out Guitars, owned by 'guitar obsessed' Paula Russell (26) and Louise Carruthers (28), began trading in July 2003 in Glasgow's Merchant City. Both girls had been working in the guitar making and repair industry for many years before starting their own business. They began their enterprise with a £5000 loan and £1000 grant from the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and introduced £13,000 in the form of equipment.

Paula and Louise recognised that there was a gap in the market for fast, professional repairs and they have found no other establishment in Glasgow supplying quality second-hand or vintage items. They also supply handmade guitars. One of Louise's handmade guitars is currently travelling round the UK with the Scottish bands Snow Patrol and Franz Ferdinand.

The partners recently returned to PSYBT for growth funding. They have gone from an empty shop in the past couple of years to undertaking professional work for the prestigious Franz Ferdinand, Idlewild and The Rapture. Their actual turnover was nearly £50,000 compared with a projected £15,000 in the first year, and in the second year was £120,000.

The Prince's Trust Scotland is a charitable organisation that supports individuals and their local communities by encouraging them to grow and prosper in business.

Find out more about loans offered by the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and access the PSYBT Business Start-up Guide, packed with facts and information on how to set up a business.