SARAH Bennett is using skills learnt on a training programme to make sure her country business thrives, despite the effects of last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Ms Bennett, 25, set up Silver with Elegance, a silver and gifts business, when she was just 19, and now also manages her mother's tea room in the Weardale village of Wolsingham.

After taking part in a Skills Investment Programme run by Business Link County Durham, Sarah has expansion plans for both businesses.

Identifying a key worker in each business and operating as a forerunner to Investors in People accreditation, the programme has attracted interest from owners and managers of family businesses.

Ms Bennett said: "I started the silver business alongside Mum's tea-room because it seemed a good combination. After last summer I realised that we needed to plan if we were to recover from the foot-and-mouth outbreak and move forward.

"The programme really boosted my confidence and communication skills, as well as helping me to stand back from the day-to-day running of the business and look at the potential."

She added: "Now we are creating a new shop frontage and have been granted a licence that will enable us to extend our opening hours and fill a gap in the market.

"The programme was hard work but fun, and I've learnt a great deal from other members of the group."

Ms Bennett has decided to take the optional third unit of the programme, which leads to an NVQ in management.

Denise Bailey, from Business Link County Durham's workforce development team, said: "Identifying a key worker as a linchpin who can develop a training plan while gaining an NVQ is ideal for small or family-run businesses that hope to progress to Investors in People.

"The interest demonstrates why County Durham is one of the top areas in the UK for achieving Investors in People."

Information about the programme or Investors in People is available by calling 0191-374 4000.