Creative company shows the art of business growth

Digital and creative company Mosney Mill is driving impressive month-on-month sales growth while building a strong brand and creating three jobs after taking part in Boost’s Business Growth Support programme.

The South Ribble-based company has also recruited sales agents to build its trade business across the UK and Channel Islands, as well as reaching the finals of BIBA’s New Business of the year category.

Mosney Mill founder and owner Emma Sutton is a qualified artist with many years’ experience in all aspects of the art and design industry. Her hand-illustrated fabrics, wallpapers, kitchenware, homeware and gifts are made entirely in the UK. Her business-enhancing relationship with Boost started when she attended the Lean Launchpad series and worked with Enterprise4All to validate her business idea, carry out business planning, brainstorming and peer to peer learning.

Emma then went on to have a business support review carried out by Boost and as a result she was offered a Growth Voucher to assist with the development of the Mosney Mill website, as well as enabling her to market her products to other businesses on a global level. The inspiration for Emma’s work comes from the animals and wildlife that live in the grounds of Mosney, Emma’s family home.

It is located on the site of the former Mosney Printworks, where the first printing press capable of simultaneously printing up to six colours was invented in 1783. Emma has successfully exhibited her products at trade shows across the country and supplies her products to stockists nationwide.

Boost is Lancashire's Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Emma commented: “The Boost programme has been invaluable in helping me to improve my business. By attending the various Boost sessions, I have gained a much better understanding of commercial practice and built a strong brand, while increasing my sales every month. I now have a real vision and growth plan, with a clear picture of what I need to do.” Enterprise4All Growth Explorer Amir Shafiq, who delivered the support said: “Emma has a very dynamic vision for her business, underpinned by ethical values and a niche target market. I can see this model being successful, especially given Emma’s passion and drive to make this work.” 

Emma is continuing to receive support through the Boost Growth Support Programme and is in regular contact with Enterprise4All as she moves even further in the right direction.