Cumberland Windows, in Egremont, is a family firm founded by Dominic Farrer in 1989. It supplies windows, doors and conservatories.

Two years ago Dominic and his son Michael sat down to draw up a strategy to grow the business.

Michael said: “We were looking at ways to modernise and grow organically, without taking on too much risk. Our plan was to target housing developers and local builders. Previously, most customers had been private households.”

This has been a step change for the business.

Through the Growth Hub, he found that he was eligible for 12 hours’ business support, funded by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

Growth Hub adviser Adrian Luckham prompted a change of strategy. Rather than target builders, he identified that the business should improve its marketing, prioritising its web site.
Michael said: “Orders were coming almost entirely through word-of-mouth recommendation. The website was generating only 5% of sales.”

A grant through the Growth Hub’s Subsidy Scheme enabled Cumberland Windows to develop a new website. It is now concentrating on search engine optimisation and a social media campaign to drive traffic to their website.

Michael said: “This has been a step change for the business. We are building a brand. The website showcases our expertise, experience and reputation, and allows us to demonstrate to customers that we are knowledgeable about our products, energy efficiency and security.”

A grant through the Growth Hub’s Subsidy Scheme enabled Cumberland Windows to develop a new web site. This has helped the business evolve its brand offer.