South Norfolk Business Builder case studies

Anglia Vet Physio & Hydro

Sammi Curtis runs Anglia Vet Physio & Hydro, specialising in small‑animal physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Inspired by the clear benefits of water‑based rehabilitation, she has now launched a fully equipped Canine Rehabilitation Centre in Thurton, South Norfolk, offering tailored treatments to support animal recovery, mobility, and wellbeing.

After hearing about local grant opportunities from a friend, Sammi contacted the Council’s Business Development team. Jo recommended the Rural Capital Fund Grant as the most suitable match for the hydro treadmill investment. Sammi described the entire application process as “easy and fast” — with helpful guidance at every stage. Alongside the grant support, the council team also helped her overcome a major barrier by identifying an ideal unit in Thurton where she could create a dedicated Canine Rehabilitation Centre with the space to grow her services.

Brick Kiln Pottery

Brick Kiln Pottery is a creative studio in Hethersett offering pottery classes, memberships, workshops, and a curated shop showcasing local artwork. Since receiving Business Builder support, Emma has expanded her business into a vibrant community space where people can learn, create and connect.

Emma reached out to Jo from the Council’s Business Development Team for guidance. Jo provided reassurance, expert advice, and practical support throughout the process. With her help, Emma successfully secured a Rural Capital Grant, which enabled her to invest in new premises and purchase essential equipment, including pottery wheels and kilns to meet growing demand. Emma described the process as smooth and stress‑free: “Jo made the whole process so straightforward. Applying for the grant felt easy with her support — she really took the stress out of it.”

Eufloria

Eufloria grew from a deeply personal journey. Amy and Kerry met while undergoing breast cancer treatment and formed a close friendship built on resilience and a shared desire to enjoy social experiences again. When they chose to avoid alcohol, they discovered how limited the options were. Inspired to change that, they began experimenting with herbs, botanicals, and natural flavours to create refreshing, gently carbonated drinks without additives.

Support from Business Builder helped steer Eufloria through product development, branding, and early‑stage business planning. A Business Builder Start Up Grant enabled Amy and Kerry to create their bespoke portable bar made from natural wood, giving them a professional and eye‑catching way to serve and showcase their drinks at events.

Grain Brewery

Grain Brewery was founded by Phil Halls, with two pubs in Norwich and Ipswich, alongside the new taproom at the brewery in Alburgh. The business continues to blend great beer with community spirit, creating welcoming spaces where people can connect and enjoy high quality local brews.

When the chance to apply for a Development Grant came up, Phil acted quickly. The application process was straightforward, with Jo from the Council’s Business Development team providing clear guidance on eligible expenses — right down to practical details such as tables and chairs. “Within months the work was done, and the taproom was open and ready to welcome customers.” The new space allowed Grain Brewery to extend its offering, generate new income, and make better use of its existing site.

Norfolk Football

Norfolk Football Ltd was founded by Paul Suggitt, producing bespoke football kit for teams across Norfolk. The business prides itself on delivering personalised, high quality sportswear with fast turnaround and attention to detail.

At the start of the busy football season, Paul suddenly found himself without a printing supplier — a major setback for a business that produces bespoke football kit, often to tight deadlines. To keep orders moving, he needed to bring the fabric printing process in-house at very short notice.

Paul reached out to the Council and received swift and practical support. “Jo from the council was so helpful. The Development Grant was organised in a matter of days. Everything was accepted almost immediately and the funds were available within a week.” The grant meant he could purchase the specialist printer straight away, ensuring production could continue without disruption.

Panel Graphic

Panel Graphic was founded by Steve Earl MBE in Loddon over 25 years ago. The company now employs 38 people, including five family members, plus the family dogs, who visit daily. Today, the business continues to lead in high precision plastics manufacturing, providing specialised products to clients across automotive, safety, and medical industries.

Through the Rural Capital Grant, arranged by the Business Development team as part of the Business Builder programme, Panel Graphic invested in an industrial grade pressure laminator. This machine ensures the precise, uniform application of technical polymer films, enhancing both reliability and performance. “Consistency is crucial for all our clients, especially medical, where product reliability and strict standards are a must. The support from South Norfolk Council has been an integral part of our growth over the last five years.”

Plantscape

Plantscape, led by Managing Director Jim Adcock, provides a wide range of landscape services across Norfolk. The business continues to build a strong reputation across domestic, commercial, corporate and local authority sectors — now with a growing profile in larger infrastructure and development markets.

The Development Grant from Business Builder, along with ongoing support from the Council, provided the boost the business needed. “The grant enabled us to build an online shop, which has automated what was previously a manual process, with the added benefit of an integrated client database.” It also made it possible for Plantscape to exhibit at the Norfolk Show for the first time, giving prospective clients the chance to see their equipment up close. “The process with the Council was straightforward and we had excellent support throughout.”

Solar Panel Cleaning Specialists Ltd

Gary launched his first exterior cleaning business Tas Valley Exterior Cleaning in 2021, followed by Solar Panel Cleaning Specialists Ltd in 2024. Thanks to strong demand and a rapidly expanding customer base, he is now planning to grow his team and continue expanding specialist services across the region.

With a Rural Capital Grant Business Builder, Gary invested in a cherry picker, allowing him to offer safe, high quality cleaning for both residential and commercial clients. “The grant has had a massive impact on my business growth. It helped me act quickly, meet demand and offer a service that people really needed.” The rapid expansion now means Gary is exploring opportunities to employ more staff to meet growing demand.

Tindall Brewery

Mike Green is the second‑generation brewer behind Tindall Brewery—founded by his parents the year he was born. Brewing has always been at the heart of his life. After proving he could craft a great beer at his first attempt, he took over the business at just 18. Today, Mike continues to honour his family’s legacy while pushing the brewery forward through creativity, quality and locally inspired innovation.

Vintage Rose

Vintage Rose is an independent floristry studio based at Ketteringham Hall, offering bespoke bouquets, fresh and dried flowers, and personalised floral designs.

Tracey learned about the Business Builder scheme from a friend and reached out for support. She connected with Jane at the Council, who provided tailored, hands‑on guidance throughout the entire process, supporting her with:

• Securing the right premises at Ketteringham Hall • Resolving a planning query • Applying for a Business Builder start‑up grant • Connecting with other local business owners • Accessing a free marketing and social media course to promote her new shop

Tracey described the experience as transformative: “I couldn’t have done this without the help and support from Business Builder and Jane. She supported me every step of the way. Knowing she was just a phone call away gave me the information and encouragement I needed to succeed.”