When Storm Desmond caused widespread flooding in Cumbria in December 2015, one of the consequences was an urgent demand for quality rebuilding work.

Just a few months earlier, Colin Aimers had set up Kingmoor Consulting. Based in the front room of his house in Carlisle, his one-man business was suddenly inundated with calls. The sudden spike in interest also meant a radical rethink of what the business stood for and who its customers were.

“After things went crazy following Storm Desmond, it was vital to get our message right, understand our customers, and design the business around that offering.”

Colin had previous experience of working with Cumbria Chamber an had taken advantage of the Growth Hub’s development programmes in association with Lancaster University. He now turned to the Growth Hub’s specialist Business Start-up team.

“Working with my adviser provided a fresh pair of eyes on our business. She really helped us to hone our message and make it consistent.”

Working with my adviser provided a fresh pair of eyes on our business. She really helped us to hone our message and make it consistent

By now, Colin had teamed up with his brother-in-law and, having developed a network of suppliers and contractors, the pair had moved to new offices at Parkhouse, north of Carlisle. In late 2017, the Growth Hub provided further support when Colin decided it was time for a major rebranding exercise.

“We needed a new website so we applied for a Growth Hub subsidy. The £2000 match-funded grant enabled us to develop the site and we also embarked on a six-month programme of marketing. The result has been a more professional look for the business, and the website has provided a platform for many of the ideas that we initially worked out with my advisor. It has led to more awareness of our service, and we have had lots of business inquiries.”