A Lancashire business which supplies greetings cards to independent retailers and other outlets has moved into new premises and is now operating in a growing number of export markets after working with Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.
Ginger Betty, based in Bacup, was formed in 2005. The company was first introduced to Boost at the end of 2020 by Rossendale Council as it was exploring options for storage and warehousing facilities to serve an expanding range of clients as it grew. After a Business Support Review with Boost’s Growth Support Service to understand the business’s goals and support needs, director Tracey Colliston was matched with Louise Owen, an experienced business mentor on Boost’s Growth Mentoring programme.
The Growth Mentoring programme supports business owners and management teams by matching them with a fully-funded expert mentor to who can provide a different perspective on their business challenges and help them develop a strong business growth strategy. Louise’s mentoring support over the course of several months included helping Tracey develop a strategic growth plan, understanding how to scale the business and also exploring new routes to market for the company.
Tracey said: “The business is very creative and that suits my strengths. Sometimes the practical side can be a challenge and Louise’s support helped me to structure things and organise my time and my mind to effectively run and grow Ginger Betty.” Boost is Lancashire's Business Growth Hub and is led by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). It is supported by funding from Lancashire County Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Following the support, Ginger Betty is continuing to grow with over new 200 accounts since the mentoring support took place.
The business is now exporting its products to several markets both within the EU and further afield. “We are also planning to licence our brand into other products,” added Tracey. “Our cards will be licenced to be produced in the US and licencing our images for other things like children’s books is a possibility.” The company has moved into its warehouse facility in Bacup but is already looking for options to expand its premises to support the continued growth. Louise Owen, Tracey’s Boost mentor, said: “Tracey is a very talented and multi award winning illustrator and designer and was a delight to support. “The mentoring gave Tracey focus and direction and the tools to take her company to the next stage of growth. It’s so rewarding to see Ginger Betty go from strength to strength.”
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