Business Link helps profits rise at Kemps Bakery

By making the most of Business Link, one of the services delivered by EMB Ltd, Rob Clarke and Nigel Holmes have turned the already popular Kemps Bakery into a hugely successful business.

When Rob and Nigel bought Kemps bakery and shop in Eckington, Derbyshire, the initial thought was to let out the premises to another craft baker or convert the property to another use.

Rob explained: "We didn't know at the time that we had also purchased a local institution, inheriting local baker Paul and other shop staff. It didn't take us long to realise what a following Kemps had and that it was potentially a little goldmine. We doubled our takings in the first year purely by expanding the range of choice we offered customers, introducing new and improved products, changing opening times and listening to our staff and customers.

"On a Friday, it's not unusual for people to queue down the road. We've even got one customer who makes a point of stopping here on her way back to Northumberland.

A helping hand

Rob and Nigel found out about Business Link when they were looking for training opportunities for their staff and considering converting a former slaughter house in their backyard to expand the bakery.

"If we'd known about Business Link two years ago, we wouldn't have wasted any time getting in touch. I've found the website really useful for downloading document templates and I've made great use of the helpline to find out about legislation changes and various legalities. I just didn't know how much more they could offer."

Taking the biscuit

Business Link also helped Kemps to secure free on-site NVQ training for five members of the team.

"Neither Rob nor I have any formal bakery training, so as well as getting our staff qualified, the training will highlight where our weaknesses are and how we can further develop our expertise," said Nigel.

"Business Link also introduced us to a local mentoring programme which provides ten heavily subsidised one-to-one sessions with a business expert matched specifically to our sector. We're paying £250 - just 10% of the total costs.

"After just one session when we explained where we were heading with the business, we picked up so many useful ideas. It's about stepping back from what's involved in the everyday running of the business, thinking about where you want to go and having a strategic approach for how to get there."

Rob and Nigel's top tips for growing an existing business:

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses you inherit with the business and find out what your customers want - this information is priceless.
• Talk to Business Link as early as possible - if they can't help you, they'll certainly know someone else who can. You've got nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
• Familiarise yourself with your potential market in terms of the geography, population and industrial profile - we've both got good local knowledge and this has been crucial in making decisions about a second shop.