A FISHING business is reeling in additional sales after support from a free training scheme.

The Durham Fly Fishing Company says it has landed an estimated 20 per cent rise in course bookings thanks to the Boost Your Business programme.

The scheme is led by a group of training agencies, known as the North-East Enterprise Agency, and part of the wider Go>Grow project.

Expert trout angler and qualified coach Stuart Wardle, who runs The Durham Fly Fishing Company from Hutton Henry, near Castle Eden, went through the Boost Your Business scheme, and says its influence has been significant.

The business provides a range of services to individuals, groups and companies, including guiding, coaching and team-building days.

However, Mr Wardle says the programme has given him greater skills across sales and promotional activities, which have helped him hook new business, and he now predicts an increase of around 25 per cent in revenues across the next 12 months if demand continues to grow at its current rate.

He said: “The course has been an invaluable experience and has definitely helped to move my business forward and secure more work.

“My diary is the busiest it’s been since I opened for business.

“Gaining new skills in enterprise development and digital promotion and sales tools, along with the opportunity to network with other businesses, has been really useful. It also allowed me to take some time to think about my business, future goals and how to achieve them.

“I’m really excited about the future and the opportunities for growth.”

The three-day Boost Your Business course covers a range of topics, including understanding social media and producing digital content.

Adam Clemerson, skills project manager at the North-East Enterprise Agency, said: “Stuart has a great business and now has the tools, expertise and confidence to realise his ambitions.”

Ivan Jepson, director of business development at Gateshead College, which manages the Go>Grow programme, added: “The success of Stuart’s business, since taking part in the training, is exactly why this scheme is in place.

“We want to help make a difference to local businesses by helping them upskill, grow and stand out among competitors.”

Go>Grow has the backing of the North-East Local Enterprise Partnership and the North-East England Chamber of Commerce.