A BUSINESS which has "sailed to success" in its first three years is now expanding after securing additional financial resources.

York Cocoa House, in Blake Street, is benefitting from a business loan after owner Sophie Jewett turned to the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) earlier this year.

The loan went towards branding, packaging and marketing for the business as well as a new CRM (customer relationship management) system.

A portion of the funding was also set for working capital and the development of evening classes.

Fergus Mckie, marketing co-ordinator at BEF, which has an office in York and is entering the Corporate Investment Award, said: "York Cocoa house is now more popular than ever and with the offer of workshops as well as a café it has proved a popular destination for tourists as well as locals.

"Sophie has been able to secure full time, skilled jobs to two of her staff using money from the loan. This builds into her plan of having a long term workforce who are fully trained and supported to lead workshops and run the café and shop.

"The loan has also opened opportunities for Sophie to think strategically about business approach.

"As she develops the business, she has been able to control and direct growth in the right direction.

"Expanding the evening classes and workshop programs has helped create a unique business and maintain the philosophy of sharing the artisan craft.

"Footfall is increasing as the business expands in size and with its offering. With the loan and support from BEF, York Cocoa House has been taken to a new level and continues to grow."