SkyeSkyns Case Study

The Client

SkyeSkyns is a family-run business, based on the Isle of Skye, producing premium sheepskin products, home accessories and clothing. As a growing organisation rooted in its local community, they pride themselves on craftsmanship, sustainability and a supportive workplace culture.

The Challenge

As part of an internal restructure, SkyeSkyns had promoted several team members into their first line management roles. While these individuals had strong operational knowledge, they lacked formal leadership training. The company wanted to equip them with practical tools to manage people confidently, navigate interpersonal challenges, and lead with clarity all without losing the close-knit culture that defines the business.

Being based on the Isle of Skye, they faced a double challenge:

1. Limited access to local training providers

2. Off-the-shelf programmes felt too generic or disconnected from their context

They needed something remote but personal, that fit around operational demands and respected the company’s values. It was important to Skyeskyns to work with a like-minded business who understood them and took the time to tailor a high-quality, flexible solution which suited their specific needs.

Our Approach

We designed a tailored, modular programme specifically built for new and aspiring managers at SkyeSkyns.

Each module addressed a key leadership skill:

· Managing performance with clarity and compassion

· Navigating difficult conversations

· Setting boundaries without creating distance

· Coaching skills for everyday leadership

· Understanding team dynamics and personality differences

We delivered the programme over two to three months in short, focused sessions that worked around production schedules. We built in space for feedback and iteration, adjusting the format and pace after the first module to better suit the team’s style.

To deepen engagement, we added:

· Pre-course reflection questionnaires to prime the learning

· Realistic case studies rooted in the SkyeSkyns context

· Post-session feedback loops to ensure we stayed on track and added value

The Results

The training helped shift managers from feeling uncertain in their new roles to feeling confident, capable, and supported. Participants reported:

· 10/10 satisfaction scores across all modules

· A facilitator who was "relatable and down-to-earth"

· The perfect balance between practical content and open discussion

· Stronger ability to lead conversations they previously avoided

· A sense of validation that they were on the right path