GROUNDS maintenance business HGM Services has found a winning solution with help and advice from Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

The business, in Newton-le-Willows, near Leeming, in North Yorkshire, was badly affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak, but is recovering after Business Link advisor Brian Woodhouse helped owner Stephen Howitt to devise a business plan focusing on diversification and targeted marketing.

The business plan helped Mr Howitt obtain a Recovery Grant from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward's business recovery fund, and as a result, HGM Services is enjoying a wide range of work, from landscaping and managing the gardens of large business parks, to building a tennis court and wildlife enclosure for rally driver Chris Lewis' pet wallabies.

Mr Howitt said: "We now have clients in the North-East, South and West Yorkshire, and as far south as Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

"Our new client base is much more profitable and we have started to expand by taking on new staff both in the field and in the office.

"The successful diversification plan brought about by working closely with Business Link has changed the future of our small but now thriving business."

Before foot-and-mouth, HGM Services' main source of income came from maintaining the grounds of several large country houses in the Bedale area, but during the outbreak the company was unable to service its main client base and profits more than halved.

Business Link helped Mr Howitt develop a marketing strategy to generate new business in non-rural areas and the additional funds enabled him to invest in equipment .

Mr Woodhouse said: "HGM Services is a real diversification success story.

"By building on the company's capabilities, Stephen has been able to target a much wider geographical area and bring new business into North Yorkshire."