Two former Forth Valley College classmates have set up a brand-new German kitchen showroom business not far from the College where they met as students, and they hope their story can help inspire new students and show there is ‘No Wrong Path’ (#NoWrongPath) to realising education and career goals!
Scott Fairclough (35) from Bo’ness and Nathan Groves (44) from Clackmannan became friends when they started their HND Architectural Technology course at the FVC Falkirk Campus in 2007…now as firm business partners as well as friends, they have launched a franchise of the German kitchen retailer, Kutchenhaus, in Main Street Skinflats near where they studied.
While studying at FVC they set themselves a long-term goal to go into business together. So it was no surprise that in 2021 they combined their 30 years’ experience in architecture and construction, to set up Fairgrove Architectural Services to offer customers kitchen alterations, garage conversions and extensions.
Now Scott and Nathan have become the latest franchise partners of Kutchenhaus, opening the brand’s fourth Scottish showroom. Kutchenhaus Falkirk features five kitchen displays and the latest appliances from AEG, Caple, NEFF, Bora, Junker, SMEG and more.
Their journey to working together took various twists and turns with Nathan – also a qualified joiner – completing his degree at Napier University and then working with Aviva Insurance. Scott progressed to Robert Gordon University to complete his own degree – but he also subsequently took a career detour back to FVC for a HNC in Petro-Chemical Engineering and also worked for INEOS at Grangemouth.
They both revealed that they kept their hands in with small freelance designing jobs, but that the credit crunch and recession which hit in 2008, prevented them from following their architectural ambitions and to set up their own business together. But due to their lasting friendship and keeping in touch, they were eventually able to launch their firm and focus on selling and designing bespoke kitchens.
Scott said: “I went to Forth Valley College straight from school and completed the NC Architectural Technology course before moving on to the HND where I became friends with Nathan. I really enjoyed what I was learning and couldn’t fault the lecturers at all. If I was struggling at any time they were always willing to spend time with me to make sure I understood things. This gave me a great grounding to move on to university.
“My advice for new students coming into Forth Valley College or who have just completed their course, would be go out and work for five years or so and build up your experiences and contacts and then go for your dreams like we have.
“We’re very pleased with the new space we’ve created and the two of us are proud to be launching this new venture together. After meeting back in 2007 at college, Nathan and I have built our business together and we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional service to our customers.
“Becoming a Kutchenhaus franchise partner means we can be a one-stop shop for all of our customers’ needs and offer a very high-quality kitchen product at an affordable price.”
Nathan, who also won a recognition award for his studies while at FVC, said: “It was great to get the Forth Valley College HND qualification under my belt and then use it to be able to move on to third year at university. Back then, it felt like anyone who came from college into university and had not done their first two years at university, seemed to be looked down at a little bit. But I used that as inspiration and managed to attain a good degree. I was even offered a place to do a Masters at Heriot Watt, but having a young family at the time and due to the economic situation, I felt I had to move into the workplace.
“My advice to other students would be let them know that everyone’s journey is different. My plan was to get as much experience as possible in the workplace and to stick with it and learn all the time in everything you do. It is also wise to build up as big network of contacts in as many industries and professions as you can, as they will help you further down the line. I am really happy to have gotten to this point with Scott and we are now looking to build up our business in the years to come.
“All the kitchens we provide at Kutchenhaus Falkirk are made to order, therefore they’re bespoke and take into account exactly what the customer wants. From the moment a customer sets foot in our new showroom, we’re on hand to guide them through the journey, working to turn an idea into reality and leaving them with a kitchen they’re delighted with.”
Paul Lee, head of marketing at Kutchenhaus, commented: “It’s great to see Kutchenhaus Falkirk open its doors and equally exciting for the brand to increase its presence in Scotland. Scott and Nathan are both knowledgeable experts and we’re happy to welcome them into the Kutchenhaus family. Customers can expect the very best in kitchen quality and a top-notch service.”
Starting as a team of two, Scott and Nathan are also looking to hire a kitchen designer to help with the business.
The Kutchenhaus Falkirk showroom is situated with off road parking in Skinflats. To speak with the team, please email showroom@falkirk.kutchenhaus.co.uk or call 01324 231018.
More information on the ‘No Wrong Path’ campaign can be found by visiting https://www.dyw.scot/nowrongpath.html
