Welcome to our case studies library. This growing resource gives you an insight into the experiences of businesses in the North West, providing you with an outline of how they tackled their business issues, the support they used and the impact of any changes.
A flying start for Reading Bee: case studyJournalist and teacher Gulnaz Parveen had always dreamt of launching her own magazine so at the start of 2008 she made it her New Year’s resolution to finally take the plunge. Gulnaz has come a long way since then and now her magazine, Reading Bee, a premium publication for Asian women, is gracing the shelves of WH Smith and independent newsagents across the country.
A perfect training package for Granby Marketing Services: Case studyGranby Marketing Services in Blackburn was established in 2000 and currently has 70 permanent employees and a further 50 people on flexible contracts working from its town centre premises.
A shining example of support for Goss Marble: Case studySerkan Senol launched Goss Marble in 2005, a company involved in the importing, wholesale and distribution of natural stone for floor and wall coverings. From premises in Bolton, Greater Manchester, Goss Marble has become one of the country’s largest suppliers of natural stone products. The company imports products from suppliers based mainly in Turkey as well as Spain, Italy and Brazil.
Access to Finance Advances Arkemedia’s Ambition: case study“My initial contact with Business Link was just about business planning but I have had so much help with so much more. The great thing is that from one adviser you gain access to a wide range of expertise and they’re there to support you if your business goals change.”
Paul Woods, Arkemedia Ltd
All Together Now: case studyThe story behind All Together Now! stretches back to 1983, when Tom Dowling began to produce a weekly column in the Liverpool Echo called ‘I Can Do That’.
Apprentices at Rosy Apple Childcare are a model of success: case studyRosy Apple Childcare Ltd opened its first 39 place nursery in November 2003 and now operates five nurseries across Lancashire, offering places for 300 children. The business has employed 18 apprentices in the past five years, and Managing Director Sharon Alexander believes that they are vital to her company’s success.
Bachem not lost in translation anymoreBachem UK Ltd was in the process of applying the CE mark to its products so it could begin to distribute to countries in Europe. The company required information about what language it needed to translate its user manuals into.
Business is blooming at Hartley's: case study“The support I’ve received from Business Link has been great, from the funding to finding out about new schemes and initiatives that may be of interest to us.” Ann-Louise Hartley, Hartley’s Farm Shop and Nursery.
Business Link has Learoyd’s skills wrapped up: case study“Without Business Link’s help we would never have known about the kind of funding that was available. This funding has enabled us to get the most out of our staff development and we are delighted with the results.” Ray Harrison, Learoyd Packaging Ltd.
Business support for Addictive Media: case studyDavid McCollom's life could easily have taken a very different direction after a difficult start in life. The 40 year old from Lytham St Annes spent 17 years addicted to drugs that resulted in him losing one leg below the knee and the use of some of his fingers. His was, in his words, 'a life of ducking and diving down back allies, a life of fear and self-destruction. A fear of living and a fear of dying.'