Glamping start-up launches website with county council backing
A Staffordshire farmer 's dream of building a thriving eco-friendly glamping business has come true after receiving fully-funded business support from a county council scheme.
Thanks to a brand-new website that has been funded by Staffordshire County Council 's Get Started scheme, Tabitha and Steve Cartmail have seen a sharp rise in the number of enquiries for their shepherd hut and log cabins near Woodseaves and the promise of an eco-friendly stay in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.
Tabitha set up Copper Beech Glamping at Knightley House Farm just before the pandemic and has now re-launched following bespoke website and business support.
Anyone thinking of setting up their own business in Staffordshire or has a business less than two years old can apply to Get Started to get the confidence, professional accountancy or marketing support they need to set up or grow. The scheme is funded by the UK Government 's UK Community Renewal Fund and has already supported over 200 businesses to take the next step.
Tabitha said: “It is nerve wracking to change careers, but I always wanted to do something like this for myself and I 'm really glad I did.
“Rather than have either the marketing or accountancy support, Get Started put together a bespoke package which made our current marketing better and learn the business planning skills I need.
“I just wouldn 't have been able to afford the cost of what I needed to make everything the best it could be without Get Started. I can now really make this business a success. ”
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council 's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “The number of business start-ups in Staffordshire doubled through the pandemic and we know that small companies grow faster here than other places in the UK, in part thanks to schemes like this.
“Many people really want to start up their own business but lack the skills, confidence and knowledge to make it happen. This is how the Get Started scheme makes a difference. We look forward to seeing Tabitha and Steve 's business grow and thrive. ”
Over £100,000 has been invested in business so far through Start up support schemes as part of the wider Staffordshire Means Back to Business support scheme of loans, grants and professional support through the pandemic.
Anyone interested in escaping the everyday and staying at one of Copper Beech 's luxury cabins, shepherd 's huts or log cabins can browse and book through the new website at www.copperbeechglamping.co.uk