A SOUTH Cumbrian bakery is the latest participant in the Be The Business Northwest Family Business Advisory Boards programme.

The programme is designed to help family businesses look objectively at ways they can improve productivity while working with experts.

The 12-month North West Family Business Advisory Board programme is designed to give participants confidence in their decision-making, overcome potential barriers to growth and grow their professional network.

Lisa Smith, owner of Ginger Bakers in Kendal, is taking part in the programme.

She said: "This is a great opportunity to tap into the experience of some much bigger longer established businesses. Initially we’ve begun to focus on the marketplace and product development.

"I’ve also started thinking about areas like productivity and management of staff. This process has already enabled me to start to focus particularly around long-term planning for the business.

"Alongside this the way I work has become more structured and I’m also looking at working with other mentors further down the line, as well as encouraging some of my senior staff to take part.”