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At Business Sheffield, we’re proud to help local businesses modernise their operations, save time and grow sustainably. Through our Productivity Grant and Digitisation Grant, we support Sheffield business owners to streamline their work, embrace technology and build the foundations for future success.
Pottering Around Ceramic Studio, owned by Caroline Lindley, is a paint-your-own pottery studio based in Hillsborough. Visitors choose an item, paint it in their own style and collect it a week later once it’s glazed and fired. Caroline discovered her passion for ceramics while working for the studio’s previous owner and eventually took over the business, transforming it into Pottering Around.
When she first started, most of her processes were manual, from managing bookings in a paper diary to producing pottery pieces by hand. It was time-consuming and limited how much she could grow.
Caroline accessed a Productivity Grant to purchase new shelving for products, a slip-casting machine and a kiln, all of which helped her increase production and efficiency. She then received a Digitisation Grant to build a new website and online booking system, allowing customers to reserve sessions and pay deposits easily.
“Pottering Around received the Productivity Grant which helped us purchase shelving for the products, the slip-casting machine and a new kiln. We also got a Digitisation Grant to help us build the website and booking system,” says Caroline. “It’s made such a big difference to how the business runs.”
Working closely with her Business Sheffield advisor, Roger Smith, made all the difference. Roger provided hands-on support throughout the process, guiding Caroline through applications, helping with spreadsheets and forms, and offering practical advice at every stage. His approach ensured each step went smoothly and gave Caroline the confidence to make big improvements to her business.
“I got absolutely loads of support,” says Caroline. “Every time I needed an answer, my advisor was there. He helped with spreadsheets, forms and phone calls. He supported it tremendously.”
The results have been transformative. Pottering Around now runs more efficiently, with regular online bookings, smoother operations and greater productivity.
“The website’s up and running, we get bookings regularly, and the deposit system works. Productivity is up, my energy’s up. It’s just changed everything. It’s been amazing.”
If your business needs help improving productivity or going digital, Business Sheffield can help. Our advisors offer free one-to-one support and access to funding to help Sheffield businesses work smarter, save time and grow with confidence.
To find out more, contact businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 224 5000.