A SECOND generation specialist in lavender products who has diversified into online retail has welcomed national beauty giants to its growing list of customers.

Fledgling business Lavender World, based at Sheriff Hutton, was set up two years ago by Sam Goodwill, 25, as an offshoot of his father’s lavender farm in Terrington.

Specialising in the sale of lavender and lavender-based products, the business has recently fulfilled orders from renowned brands Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, River Island and The White Company.

The retailers turned to Lavender World for the supply of dried lavender for shop displays across the country.

Mr Goodwill said: “Most of our customers are individuals looking for gifts for friends and family members, but it was a real coup to receive orders from the likes of Estée Lauder and L’Oréal, and a sign of just how far we have come in two years.”

The young entrepreneur believes the business is now “a real force to be reckoned with” in the online marketplace, following a tentative start.

He said: “As well as the gift market, we are also getting a lot of custom from people planning weddings and those who enjoy crafting. Last Christmas we sold considerable amounts of loose, dried lavender to people who wanted to make their own lavender bags and other gifts.”

Lavender World now provides employment to five young people under the age of 25, and is already on the look-out for larger premises to enable the team to process the hundreds of orders it receives each week from customers across the UK and overseas.

The business was set up by Mr Goodwill after having worked on his father’s farm, which is also a popular visitor attraction. Lavender World was launched out of his determination to carve out a niche of his own and put his IT skills to good use.

Mr Goodwill said: “I always knew that I wanted to work for myself; I wanted to challenge myself, make my own decisions and learn from my own mistakes.

“However, the speed at which the business has grown has surpassed all my expectations.”