A former Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) learner shared his recipe for success as he returned to his old stomping ground to give students an insight into starting your own business.
Harry Gallacher, 19, from Sanquhar, returned to DGC to speak to the current Professional Cookery Level 6 and Hospitality and Events Operation students about his successes since leaving college.
Harry began his journey through the College Academy (senior phase school course options) where he studied Professional Cookery Level 5 in 2020-21. The following year he went on to complete his Professional Cookery Level 6 course as a full-time student.
During this course he started Cakes by Harry — offering delicious sweet bites and bespoke cakes for special occasions. Harry has also recently taken over his grandmother’s self-catering business in the Sanquhar area called Knockenhair Hospitality, which provides high-quality catering for a wide range of events.
His latest venture is certainly going down a treat, with one satisfied customer commenting: “Knockenhair Hospitality did the catering for my 30th birthday and I can honestly say it’s the best buffet I’ve ever eaten.
“The guests all said how amazing and fresh the food was. Incredibly reasonably priced, excellent customer service. I would highly recommend it and I will definitely use them again.”
The DGC students enjoyed hearing about how Harry set up his business and the hurdles he overcame along the way, while the entrepreneur also welcomed the opportunity to share his experiences with everyone.
He said: “It was great to get the chance to go back to Dumfries and Galloway College, although not as a student this time!
“I gave a presentation on the business and how it came about and spoke to students about the challenges I faced starting the business.
“Thank you for having me and I look forward to potentially working with you again in the future.”
College Principal Joanna Campbell said: “We would like to thank Harry for taking the time to come back to DGC and talk to us.
“He deserves enormous credit for everything he has achieved so far and I’m sure his continued success will inspire our students.”
