FURTHER expansion is planned for Sherburn-in-Elmet-based Holme Farmed Venison thanks to help from Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

The family-run business producing venison and traditional and organic game meats to UK caterers, retailers and mail order customers has seen turnover rise following its move from Boston Spa last April to a £750,000 purpose-built new factory in Sherburn-in-Elmet four times larger.

Further expansion is now planned with the arrival of new packing machinery and equipment, allowing it to triple its production by the end of 2006.

One estimate is that staff will have doubled from 15 to 30 people as a result of the increased production.

Holme Farmed Venison has received help from Business Link York and North Yorkshire on the formulation of a marketing plan, benchmarking itself against best practice in the industry and in securing the move to bigger premises.

Business Link York and North Yorkshire advisers Bill Langhamer and Bill Powrie helped managing director Nigel Sampson to develop his business plan, funding application and to prepare for the resulting assessment.

Mr Sampson, a farmer who diversified into the venison supply business, not only processes his own deer, but also provides the focal point for about 60 game farmers in England, many of them in North Yorkshire.

He said: "The help and advice we received from Business Link was invaluable. The assistance with our business plan not only helped to secure the funding but has also given us a clear focus for the next stage of our business.

"By the end of 2006 we intend to significantly increase our customer base and with it our numbers of staff and suppliers in North Yorkshire."

Mr Langhamer said: "Knowing where to turn to for help with your business is half the battle. Paper work and assessments can often be off-putting, but preparation is the key. With guidance and the right procedures in place it can be far easier to move your business on to the next level than people think."

Updated: 09:44 Tuesday, October 18, 2005