Broadland Business Builder case studies

Beeyutiful Home

Beeyutiful Home is led by maker and creative founder Kate Nicholas, whose lovingly crafted products capture the cosy charm of Norfolk living.

After a period of ill health led her to step away from hairdressing, she turned to craftwork as a way to stay busy — and it soon became a vital source of income.

“The Build Up Grant allowed us to invest in a much better laser for applying my designs onto a range of objects — even onto cards. Jane’s professional approach and knowledge made such a difference.” With upgraded equipment, Kate can now produce higher quality engraved items, offer more personalised products and work more efficiently.

Bishy Barney Boats

Bishy Barney Boats operates from Thorpe River Green in Norwich offering stylish, retro inspired mostly electric day hire boats, providing a relaxed and environmentally friendly way for customers to enjoy the Broads.

Mark wanted to expand his fleet to meet growing demand, create job opportunities and strengthen the long term sustainability of the business.

“The grant allowed me to add a hire boat to my fleet, with another scheduled for next year. The extra income this year has enabled me to give job opportunities to several keen local young people and arrange occasional staff cover for myself.”

CIM Signs

CIM Signs was founded in 2000 by three colleagues - affectionately known as the three amigos. Under the leadership of Managing Director Mark Baker, the company has grown to a team of 24 employees and expanded its premises to meet rising demand.

With support with Business Builder programme and a Rural Capital Grant, CIM Signs was able to bring forward its investment in a state of the art cutter. “The machine is bigger, faster, quieter and energy efficient, with fantastic digital capability. It has increased the scale, speed and quality of our output.” The funding allowed CIM to meet rising customer expectations while staying true to its commitment to reducing energy use and maximising recycling across the business.

Dancing Bee Bakes

Dancing Bee Bakes is run by Sophie Yaxley, specialising in gluten free, dairy free and egg free bakes that taste just as delicious as the originals. Sophie was just 14 years old when she received Business Builder support, and her business continues to grow as she expands her skills, product range and customer base.

With support from her mum as she was only thirteen at the time — Dancing Bee Bakes was born and quickly found customers through postal brownies and a local Cat Lounge stocking her bakes. However, her small mixer meant each batch took far longer than it needed to, limiting how much she could produce.

After discovering the Business Builder programme, Sophie was encouraged by Jane from the Business Development team to apply for a Build Up Grant and complete the free online Foundation Course for start ups. Both made a huge difference. “With the grant, we were able to get a commercial mixer and now I can do 20 batches in one go, compared to only two before!”

Farmyard Frozen

Farmyard Frozen is the creation of Hannah and Andrew Jones, offering restaurant quality frozen dishes inspired by their award-winning Farmyard restaurant in Norwich.

A Business Builder Development Grant allowed Farmyard Frozen to invest in a high spec blast freezer sooner than would otherwise have been possible.

“With the blast freezer we can scale up and achieve a much higher standard. It’s given us the confidence to enter discussions with a high end national supermarket, knowing we can produce volume at a consistently excellent level.”

Focalise Finance

With a combined 15 years of finance industry experience, Mikey and Lewis launched Focalise Finance with a mission to offer a more human, personal approach to finance broking.

After hearing about Business Builder at the Council’s Business Breakfast, they immediately signed up for the online Foundation Course.

“The course made us think about areas we hadn’t considered fully, even though we felt confident about running a business. We’re still using some of the handy templates!” Following their launch, they applied for a Build Up Grant, which enabled them to invest properly in branding and marketing. “We’re really proud of our branding, website and marketing plan - and we’re still seeing the benefits of that early investment.”

JSC Print & Design Agency

Joel Sharp Creative is a Norwich-based print and design agency specialising in sustainable, creative solutions for individuals and businesses.

Thanks to a Build Up Grant which was provided by the Business Builder programme, Joel purchased a professional embossing machine, enabling him to deliver high quality, tactile personalisation across his sustainable product range.“

It’s been a gamechanger - it means I can deliver personalised notebooks exactly the way I imagined, with full control over quality and finish.” With this new capability, Joel can offer distinctive, sustainable designs while keeping the entire production process in-house.

M&M Aesthetics

M&M Aesthetics had an impressive 86% repeat business rate, but owner Mel knew that awareness beyond her loyal client base was limited.

At one of the Council’s Business Breakfasts Mel spoke to the team running the Business Builder programme. With their guidance Mel successfully applied for a grant which enabled her to invest in:

• Training: Funded her daughter’s intensive aesthetics course to join the business.
• Marketing: Invested in professional treatment videos and digital marketing services.
• Advertising: Launched a Google Ads campaign that quickly attracted new clients.

Mel also took advantage of the free Foundation business course at Carrowbreck Training Centre, which led to further marketing training and a partnership with Julie the trainer, who now manages M&M Aesthetics’ social media.

Native2Norfolk

Native2Norfolk is run by Finley Robertson, who organises markets, food fairs and festivals to champion and celebrate Norfolk’s local food and drink scene. His events support local producers, strengthen community connections and shine a light on the best of Norfolk’s independent food culture.

Finley enrolled on the Business Builder online Foundation Course, which delivered exactly the type of practical, accessible training he needed. “I found the course extremely useful. It covered everything you need to know, and it wasn’t too long, strenuous or boring — unlike some training can be perceived to be.” Alongside the course, the Business Builder resource portal became a valuable tool. “I still find myself referring back to it to check that what I’m doing is right.”

Norfolk Premier Golf

Norfolk Premier Golf was already established as a successful nine‑hole course under Grant Pointer’s direction, and he was exploring opportunities to diversify and grow the business into a sports destination with wider appeal. Introducing Padel was a natural and strategic next step, to strengthen their offer and support the ambition to become a welcoming hub for sport, families, and social activity.

With the help of a Rural Capital Fund grant, the project became viable and enabled Norfolk Premier Golf to:

• Install two state‑of‑the‑art Padel courts beside the clubhouse and invest in quality padel racquets. • Employ a full‑time Padel coach to lead sessions and grow participation • Make it attractive for party bookings and social events thanks to on‑court speaker systems.

“Times are tough for the leisure sector, and it was only the grant that cemented the decision and meant we could go ahead. The support from the Business Development team was really good and fast too and it’s great that the government is prepared to support businesses like ours.”

The Tipsy Beekeeper

The Tipsy Beekeeper is run by Lydia McClintock, who produces and sells locally made honey in Broadland with the help of her thriving colonies. Her mission is simple: to make delicious, local honey while supporting healthy pollinator populations and contributing to her community’s food ecosystem.

Through guidance from the Council, Lydia applied for - and received - a Build Up Grant, enabling her to invest in a larger honey harvesting extractor and additional equipment to support her growing hive operations. “It’s not just the financial help - it’s having someone giving solid business advice and believing in you. It makes such a difference.” The new kit allows her to increase productivity and manage her growing colonies more effectively.

Thorpe Garden Services

Thorpe Garden Services is owned by Andrew Morgan, an ex marketer who now delivers value for money garden maintenance across Norfolk. His work champions wildlife friendly, climate conscious gardening, offering customers greener and more sustainable options for garden care.

Andrew applied for a Build Up Grant, from Business Builder, which helped cover 50% of the cost of both the professional wet weather gear and key additions to his battery system. “This gear is incredibly expensive, so I’m thankful for Business Builder’s support. The grant has been amazingly helpful in driving income.” Having reliable, weather proof clothing has improved winter resilience, while expanding his battery powered kit — charged by solar — enables him to stay true to his environmental values.

Tibbs Fitness

Tibbs Fitness was founded by brothers Josh and Luis Tibbles, who have always trained together and pushed each other through fitness — and now business — challenges. Their gym continues to grow, offering a supportive and professionally led space for people to improve their health, wellbeing and confidence.

A gym member introduced them to the Business Development team, and they applied for a Start Up Grant, which enabled them to purchase essential gym equipment and launch effectively. As membership grew rapidly — from 30 to 140 members — the brothers faced a new challenge: scaling their facility to meet increasing demand. The Development Grant was transformational, helping them invest in additional gym kit at the exact moment they expanded into a larger unit. “Our expansion meant we could build a team too — we’ve now been able to employ a run coach, a marketing specialist and a full time coach.”

Trii

trii is a sustainable solid body care brand created by Yolanda Wetteland, who has worked with renowned organisations including Space NK, Charlotte Tilbury and ELEMIS. Her mission was to build her own range that aligns with contemporary values, champions sustainability and promotes a healthier planet.

Applying for the Business Builder grant turned out to be straightforward and fast, with a review meeting arranged within just three weeks. “The grant meant I could book a digital marketing consultant to optimise the website - improving product presentation and customer experience.” This investment ensured the site aligned with the expectations of a luxury brand and supported the next stage of trii’s growth.