Case studies
Read first-hand stories from Dorset business owners and learn how mentoring has supported them to grow, adapt and succeed.
Featured
Read first-hand stories from Dorset business owners and learn how mentoring has supported them to grow, adapt and succeed.
Mentoring helped turn ambition into a clear, structured plan—bringing focus, accountability and confidence that enabled sustainable business growth.
Founder of The English Truffle Company shares how working with Dorset Business Mentors transformed his approach to running the business. With big ambitions but limited time, mentoring helped him gain clarity, confidence and a strategic focus that continues to support sustainable growth.
After three children, Gemma Puzas felt lost in business. With mentor Julia Macmillan’s support, she regained confidence, set clear goals, and grew Corefithealth while balancing family life.
After becoming sole owner of a small industrial automation company, the Managing Director set a goal of sustainable growth. With support from Dorset Business Mentors, they gained fresh insights to explore new markets and strengthen sales and marketing—providing vital support for long-term success.
Once at risk of demolition, Bridport’s historic LSi building was brought back to life by the Bridport Area Development Trust, with support from Dorset Business Mentors. Their guidance helped navigate major challenges and secure a sustainable future. Help is at hand for community-led projects.
Josh Raynor of Cassette Creative Ltd approached us for mentoring as a pre-start. Today he has both reaped mainstream awards for his first products and is building a viable business set for success.
This post links to an article published by DorsetBizNews entitled “Jodi’s tribute to mentor: He’s been amazing and without him, it would still be an idea”.
Referred by the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service, the case study of D&S Cabling illustrates how mentoring has helped its owners preserve, and reverse the national loss trend of, this specialist form of manufacture in the UK.
Client Katherine Baldwin and joint programme manager Charlotte Bowater lift the lid on the benefits of mentoring and overcoming the feeling of being an ‘accidental businesswoman’.
Michael Stoate, 5th generation owner of N.R. Stoate & Sons, reflects on the mentoring support which has contributed to his increasing sales since 2014 in the region of 65% and the tonnage by 57%.
Nas Amir Ahmadi shares her experience of working with a Dorset Business Mentor. Nas is particularly erudite, and her points are universally relevant to anyone wanting to take their business forward.
Chris Murphy of Pontoonworks talks about how his Dorset Business Mentor helped him take control when his business became a runaway success. This case study is particularly relevant for viewers who are struggling to ensure growth is sustainable and resilient.
We recently invited testimonials from mentees who have taken up our Business Resilience Support in the face of C-19. Yolanda Fuentes of Equ-All illustrates how we work with partner organisations (here the Dorset Growth Hub) in the interest of local business owners.
Fitz Butler-Smith of Dorset Steam Cleaning Services recommends a Dorset Business Mentor to build confidence and fill knowledge gaps as you look to grow your business.
Ann Doughty of Abacus Accountancy offers a personal view of the all-consuming cliff edge her business faced at the onset of C-19 lockdown and how she is being helped to overcome this and navigate her previously successful business to a brighter future.
Liz McCormick of McCormick Accounting Ltd kindly shares her journey from attending one of our ‘Taste of Mentoring’ events to establishing her own successful business, and in so doing illustrates the level of commitment she has received, and continues to receive, from her dedicated mentor.
Lucy Erskine, Founder and CEO of Gunho Marketing, discusses how business mentors have supported her to manage her business growth since 2010. This case study highlights how as a business and its needs develop, the Dorset Business Mentors program can introduce different mentors with the relevant experience to bring new perspectives and fresh insights.
Bob and Sofia Carter of Nature Travels give a personal account of the support they have received since first being recommended Dorset Business Mentors in 2011. They candidly discuss how they have overcome the typical challenges presented to married joint Director owners and anyone wanting to achieve steady growth and a solid team.
John Fisher, founder of Firepot (Outdoorfood) discusses his business journey and experience of mentoring. Firepot specialises in flavoursome dehydrated packaged meals, created originally for expeditions. They have pivoted their messaging to highlight their product as a store cupboard essential during this period of isolation.
Karl and Chrissy Regler of condiment specialist From Dorset With Love sent us this testimonial on their mentoring experience to date.
Sam Acton shares what led her to try mentoring, the skills she was looking for, the impact mentoring has had on her business and how the relationship works.
Nicky Kay of Fit Kids shares how her mentor helped her to explore franchising as a route to growth
Roger Brisley explains why he wonders how any does without a mentor
Stephen Burden explains why our ‘mentoring support is the best thing that has happened to us ever’
Forest Paget explains why ‘having a mentor was the defining moment in the history of this business’
Originally seeking support for a product launch, Freshleaf Digital’s focus evolved as the business grew. Mentoring helped create the space to reassess priorities, strengthen strategic thinking and move forward with greater clarity.