A WINNER of CN Group's Business Boost competition has spoken out about how they have benefited.

Cumbria Stone, of Penrith, was one of two winners from the north of Cumbria to be chosen by a panel of judges for £10,000 of advertising and business mentoring.

Sam Morris, contracts manager at the firm, said: “Winning Business Boost has helped us in so many ways and the prize has gone a long way in helping our business grow.

“With the £10,000 advertising pot, we’ve been able to push our new showroom which opened at the end of last year and our new fireplaces range.

“It’s really raised a lot of awareness and given us the backing to take things forward with the business.

“The CN team have been so helpful in suggesting ideas to us. We’re looking to a run a competition in the next few weeks, which was one of the ideas.”

Mr Morris said the business has made the most of the £10,000 with an advertising campaign that will continue to run until April.

He also said he would jump at the chance to do the competition again, and even enjoyed presenting in front of the panel of judges.

“We put a lot of effort into preparing for the presentation and spent a good couple of day’s work into it,” he added.

“But it was worth it and we won. I thoroughly the experience on the day.

“I would suggest to others to enter - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

The Business Boost campaign is designed to help small and fledgling businesses grow.

This year the scheme has joined forces with chartered accountant Lamont Pridmore to offer free advertising, mentoring and support to enterprises that show growth potential.

Bendles Solicitors of Carlisle is co-sponsoring the competition in the north of the county.

Applications are invited in two categories. One for new businesses – up to five years old – and one for established businesses of any age with fewer than 250 employees.

This is the fourth year that CN Group has run the scheme. Our sister newspapers across Cumbria are also taking part.

A total of six businesses will win £10,000 to spend on advertising in our newspapers and associated websites – there will be one winner from each category for north, west and south Cumbria.

The aim is to help businesses reach new markets and so boost sales and profits.

Entrants should outline how their businesses will grow and how they might use a £10,000 advertising campaign.

The closing date is March 31. Judging takes place early in April – details of the judging panel will be announced shortly – when shortlisted finalists will be invited to make a Dragons’ Den-style pitch.

Winners will be announced at the end of April.

For full details visit www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/businessboost