ETHICALLY-sourced timber company Forest to Home is seeing the benefits of free business coaching through the Swindon and Wiltshire SME Growth Programme.

William Hibbert and Samuel Baker co-founded Forest to Home in 2016 to make wooden furniture from responsible sources of wood, out of their workshop in Laycock.

Expert advice sessions from business coach Sue Marchant, of Bristol-based consultancy Cool Ventures, help the business grow and the team are now crafting bespoke pieces furniture Nandos restaurants.

It has also taken on a commission to make an 8.4m-long boardroom table from a single piece of timber sourced from Windsor Great Park for a London-based business.

William said: “The advice we have received from Sue at Cool Ventures has been indispensable in helping us to expand the business. She has supported us during a crucial growth period where we have gone from working part-time to full time and employing staff.

“Sue made sure we have proper forecasts and budgets in place that enable us to make informed decisions about the business based on data, rather than deciding things on a whim and just ticking over.

“She has given us the tools and knowledge that we need to build the business further and sustain things on our own.”

Sue Marchant said: “William and Samuel make beautiful and unique pieces of furniture which convey their passion for the environment and sustainability.

“They now have a plan for growing the business and it’s great to see them winning new commercial projects for national companies. Having a proper growth strategy provides William and Samuel with a focus for their business, enabling them to make better business decisions that will help them achieve their goals.

“It’s been great to work with two such inspirational craftsmen and I wish them every success."