A cabinet maker is set to double the size of its premises, after receiving vital assistance from Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

Work on Philip Bastow Cabinet Maker's new 2,400 sq ft workshop and showroom in Reeth, Swaledale, is expected to be completed by June.

The move, funded with help from a £7,000 Enterprise Grant, will allow the business to expand its output and product range and bring a boost to a remote area of North Yorkshire that was badly hit by foot and mouth.

It marks owner Philip Bastow's third expansion since he started his business in 1982 in a single 12ft by 12ft barn.

He received assistance to secure the funding from Business Link York and North Yorkshire personal business adviser Margaret Shea.

His business uses native hardwoods to produce individual, handcrafted furniture items, ranging from dining room tables to letter racks.

It currently sells direct to the public, mainly in the UK but is set to launch a website, www.philipbastow-cabinetmaker.com, which it hopes will stimulate overseas interest.

Philip said: "The new workshop and showroom represent a considerable financial commitment for a small enterprise but, with my son completing his five-year apprenticeship, the time is right to move forward and expand.

"Business Link York and North Yorkshire have been invaluable to me. As well as informing me as to my funding options, Margaret Shea guided me through the entire application process and also helped me to formulate a new business plan.

"When the new workshop and showroom are complete Business Link will also be helping me to devise and implement a marketing strategy."

He added: "This is a very remote rural area so any development of a local business is bound to boost the local economy as it attracts more potential customers. "Anything which encourages tourism growth in our area following the foot and mouth crisis has got to be good."

Business Link North Yorkshire personal business adviser Margaret Shea said: "Philip Bastow has a long history of making quality, handcrafted furniture and the new workshop and showroom will allow him to increase his share of the market."

For further information on the help and advice offered by Business Link York and North Yorkshire please contact the Information Centre on 01904 686000 or visit www.here4business.co.uk.