EACH week the Evening Times throws the spotlight on one of the dozens of new businesses determined to succeed.

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to succeed in the face of continuing economic hardship.

Many new businesses are struggling to take off because of the economic downturn, and our column offers advice for potential start-ups.

Each company answers the same questions about their business and their answers appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday.

This week we highlight womenswear label Saunt and Sinner.

Who are you?

We are Emma Noble, 23, and Toni Roddie, 26, co- founders of luxury womenswear label Saunt and Sinner.

What does your business do?

We are a luxury womenswear label and passionate promoters of design and manufacturing high fashion clothing in the UK.

Where are you based?

We are based in Glasgow, in what we feel, is the creative heart of Scotland.

There are so many quality resources here in Scotland that you forget what you have on your own doorstep.

Where possible we will try to use Scottish resources and fabrics and all our designing is done in our Glasgow studio.

How did you get started?

We started with a sketchbook and a pen.

We started sketching and jotting ideas of how our label would be set up and we wanted a name that was close to our Scottish roots but also something that is not too obvious. The name Saunt (Old Scots term for saint) and Sinner comes from the Robert Burn's poem "To a Louse".

As soon as we discovered it, we knew it was perfect for us and the brand. Our brand is important to us as we want it to reflect both our collections and our styles.

What is your background?

We both graduated from Grays School of Art, in Aberdeen, in July 2012, in Fashion Design and knew we always wanted to work on a label together.

What is your top tip?

Always know your limits but never accept them. Strive for more.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

We were fortunate to be part of Robert Gordon University's business incubator programme and went through intense business training through our mentor, Dr John Park.

At the end of the programme we pitched for £10,000 of private investment in a Dragons' Den-style gathering and we couldn't believe it when we were awarded the money.

We have also received advice and support from Business Gateway and PTYBS (Prince's Trust Youth Business Scotland). Business Gateway has really helped us in providing much needed planning and on-going business support.

In September we were lucky enough to be accepted on to the Fashion foundry Programme. Fashion Foundry is an incubator and talent hub led by Cultural Enterprise Office with support from Scottish Enterprise.

What was your first deal?

Our highlight so far would have to be Emeli Sande wearing our brand.

We were thrilled to see such a beautiful and talented woman wearing Saunt and Sinner.

The next big highlight would have to be show-casing at "From Scotland with Love" during Tartan week in New York in April.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

We are going to concentrate on building and growing a recognisable luxury brand, one that is recognised for its designs and quality products.

Contact Details:

info@sauntandsinner.co.uk

Twitter: @sauntandsinner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sauntand sinner?ref=hl#

Website: www.sauntand sinner.co.uk