A Preston based manufacturer of nutritional health supplements will create two new jobs thanks to a new e-business system, which is being developed with the help of a free business support programme.
Natures Aid, who currently employs 52 staff, produce and supply over 200 products to independent retailers. They identified an opportunity to grow and expand into international markets by creating a new e-business ordering system for their website, which will help them attract and manage distributors.
The company is receiving free support with the system through a Boost Business Lancashire programme, delivered by Regenerate Pennine Lancashire. Boost is the £7.2m Lancashire Growth Hub, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
The programme, Growth Sectors Support (GSS), helps businesses achieve their potential to grow and create jobs within the Creative and Digital, Environmental, Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace and Finance sectors. GSS Business Advisors work directly with organisations to help develop new IT systems, enhance working methods, develop new products and improve processes. Non repayable growth finance is available for eligible businesses, to contribute towards the full cost of a project.
An experienced business advisor from Regenerate is currently helping Natures Aid to develop system specifications for their e-business system and a procurement process as well as identifying suitable suppliers. Natures Aid is also in line to receive a non repayable growth voucher to partially finance the project.
Lynn Lord, Managing Director of Natures Aid said:
“The project will help us safeguard two roles and we aim to create two brand new jobs. The business advisor is working with us to help achieve these growth plans at a much faster rate. The new system will help us expand, particularly in European markets where we are already seeing an increase in sales.”
GSS has worked with 22 Lancashire based businesses since it was launched in January this year.
Businesses can apply for the programme here or visit www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk
