Business Start-Up Fund - Success Stories
David Burgess - Burgess Farms Butchers
David Burgess started trading as Burgess Farms Butchers (Northam) in April 2003, which specialises in locally produced meat, pies, bacon and ham etc. As well as operating the shop in Northam, Mr Burgess also sells his products in the Bideford Pannier Market, Farmer's Markets and Food Fairs. Over the last two years, David has more than doubled his turnover and now employs seven members of staff.
Nick Luckett - N.J. Luckett
N.J. Luckett is a haulage company specialising in Ground Works, General Haulage, Plant Transport and Skip Hire. Nick started trading in August 2003 and within that time he has purchased three additional skips and six feed plants. His predicted turnover has doubled and he now employs three full-time members of staff. The majority of his work comes from Pearce's Construction, South West Highways and Bideford Bay Holiday Park.
Lorraine Bradley
In September 2003, Lorraine Bradley established her own photography company specialising in portraits and weddings. Lorraine's business is going very well. Last year she photographed sixteen weddings and already has bookings for this year. As well as photography Lorraine is a qualified beautician and provides ladies makeovers and beauty therapy. Lorraine has undertaken various types of advertising but finds word of mouth to be the best form. When speaking to Lorraine she said, "My vehicle now displays my business name and contact details. As a result, somebody followed me in a car to enquire about a booking!"
Chris Symons & Kevin Somerville - Symons, Somerville & Sons Ltd
Symons, Somerville & Sons Ltd commenced trading in November 2003. Since then the business has won various contracts, including moves to Scotland and France. The business is going very well with a steady increase of moves. From initially working 3 days per week both Chris and Kevin are now working 5 or 6 days per week. They receive referrals from Seldon, Ward and Nuttall and Bond Oxborough Phillips. Symons, Somerville & Sons are also in the process of considering the recruitment of a new member to the team.
