Sedbergh firm scents a fresh opening (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Sedbergh firm scents a fresh opening

4:30pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in Business By Emma Lidiard

A FRAGRANCE and skin care producer is expanding its empire outside Cumbria with its fourth store.

The Bath House, in Sedbergh, will open in Knutsford later this year.

Three more staff are expected to be added to the business’s team of 35 who currently work across bases at Sedbergh, Ambleside and Kirkby Lonsdale.

The success follows the launch of several popular bodycare and gift ranges, including Patchouli and Black Pepper perfume, seven other fragrances, organic soaps, bath salts and men’s toileteries.

Company director Nigel Brooks said expansion to Cheshire was part of a plan to push the business out across the country. The 48-year-old, of Burneside, said: “Now we have three stores in Cumbria we feel we wanted to expand further afield.

“We are developing a more serious brand with our natural and organic range.

“Our men’s products have been really popular. “Men tend to buy products and then use them on a regular basis rather than keeping them as gifts.”

He said their staff had developed a nose for a good smell, adding: “Everyone has their thoughts and we also ask for feedback from customers.

“We have made small artisan batches with essential oils and we continually develop these ranges.”

The business initially manufactured products through UK firms but, following investments in machinery at Busk Lane in Sedbergh, Bath House now sources ingredients and makes products at their Sedbergh base.

The company was founded in 1997 by four friends — Mr Brooks, his wife Abigail and Pauline and Gareth Marshall.

It developed a reputation through supplying hotels and guest houses including The Plough, at Lupton, and The Punchbowl, at Crosthwaite, and also sells through several other gift retailers in the county.