Mattinson Miniatures is looking forward to a big future with help and advice from Business Link North Yorkshire.

Peter Mattinson, left, and Business Link North Yorkshire General business counsellor Barry Upson with a selection of the miniatures made by the York-based company

The business, based at York's Parkside Commercial Centre, is developing new high quality outlets - such as heritage centres and stately homes - for its ornate and original handmade castings.

Established in 1995, the company's initial focus was on the production of elaborate miniature architectural masterpieces as one-off commissions for clients in the UK and overseas. However, when Peter Mattinson and his wife Janet, a fellow director, decided to diversify into the giftware market 18 months ago they sought external advice.

Peter said: "We make all our own castings and specialise in the production of hand-finished collectable giftware, including bespoke items carrying themes that are specific to a location or event.

"To enable us to break into this niche market we contacted Business Link to seek advice and general counsellor Barry Upson has been invaluable in helping us to draw up and implement a business plan which includes product development, identification of market opportunities and marketing."

The company produces architectural and classical miniatures and has supplemented these with the introduction of the "Funkit" range, featuring a comical cat character.

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