Geminus has designs on growth

A Preston-based graphic design agency is generating strong and sustainable growth after taking part in Boost Business Lancashire’s Growth Mentoring programme.

The support has enabled Geminus Design, which is located in Bamber Bridge, to increase turnover after strengthening its relationship with existing customers, as well as targeting a new client base. 

Managing director Lisa Wilkinson worked as a graphic designer for 15 years, before deciding to go into business herself. Lisa is currently the only member of staff at Geminus, so sought support from Boost to help develop and implement plans for balanced growth, as well as refocusing marketing activities. 

Boost Business Lancashire is the £7.2m Lancashire Business Growth Hub, offering free and part-funded business support to ambitious and growing businesses. 

Boost is delivered by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and supported by money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). 

Lisa was guided by Helen Spencer, an experienced mentor at business support organisation Orvia, which delivers the programme for Boost. 

Helen Spencer, who is also a director of her own mentoring business Inspiring You, said: “Lisa was totally committed to the programme and implemented so many new ideas from launching her newsletter, to writing a compelling pitch to use at networking events and packaging her offer in a way that gave her prospects more choice. 

“Many of the strategies that Lisa implemented had been on her ‘to do’ list for some time but through the Boost programme, Lisa implemented things faster and with more conviction. Not only has Geminus Design grown, but Lisa has also grown in confidence and this has enabled her to be more assertive in those tricky situations that all business owners have to face from time to time."

Ann Holcroft, operations manager at Orvia Enterprises, said: “Geminus is a real success story of the Boost Growth Mentoring programme. The excellent mentoring Lisa received has resulted in the business increasing turnover, expanding its client base, as well as improving her overall business confidence. 

“By taking time out to look at the business in a strategic way, which previously she had been unable to do, Lisa has reviewed her activities and been able to concentrate on areas which will encourage continued sustainable growth for the future.” 

Lisa said: "I gained confidence and new ideas from my mentor Helen, who I very much appreciated. I want to thank Boost for getting me on the programme, I would highly recommend this programme to anyone else who may need help developing their business." 

Boost has supported more than 2,800 businesses and created more than 900 jobs since it launched in July 2013.