A FURNESS woman's fledgling enterprise has seen its client base increase by 60 per cent since she took advantage of a free business advice service offered by South Lakeland District Council.

Heather Tavares, who runs the Broughton-in-Furness based Lakeland Nut Company said the advice sessions – which provide valuable assistance on everything from writing a business plan to marketing and accounting – made a real difference to her artisan business.

The Lakeland Nut Company has been trading for 18 months and roasts and spices a selection nuts, marketed under names like Coniston Old Man’s Nuts and Herdi Tupps Spicy Nuts.

“I’m very good at making things and getting things done but I felt I needed some help to take the business forward, particularly with things like promotion and marketing and looking at the products and priorities for the future," said Heather.

“The sessions really helped, especially with getting my social media working better and using the Facebook page to help market the business and spread the word. The summer was busy and we are expecting the run up to Christmas to be busy as well."

Business Adviser Kellie Bradburn-Sims first starting working with Heather in August this year and following four sessions over the past two months, Heather has seen her client list expand by 60 per cent.

She now supplies a number of pubs and shops, attended shows and food fairs during the summer and is looking for more outlets.

Kellie worked with Heather on ideas to develop the business, as well as carrying out a ‘business health check’ to assess costs, profit returns, cost effectiveness, business plans and promotion.

“With Heather we looked at profiling the customer base, setting up a client database and a social media presence and looked at identifying new markets," said Kellie. “We helped her to unlock the vision for the future of the business. That’s often where we can come in, we can offer an independent and objective view of the business that helps to move it to the next level and helps the business owner to achieve their goals.’’

The recent advice programme, which is delivered as part of SLDC’s business support initiatives, has helped to create 93 jobs and led to the start-up of 65 new businesses in South Lakeland. Kellie says the businesses supported range from cafes to retailers and fitness instructors to gaming companies.

Such has been its success at helping existing and prospective businesses that it has now been extended until the end of the year, after originally being due to finish at the end of last month.

For further information or to book an appointment contact South Lakeland District Council’s Invest in South Lakeland economic development team on 01539 793280, or email: econ.dev@southlakeland.gov.uk