Clearstone

Sussex-based Clearstone Paving began in 2008, supplying permeable resin-bound paving surfaces to building contractors and homeowners. The business turns over in excess of £500k and has its sights set on £750k over the next 12 months.

Business development: Profitnet

Founding partner Debbie Orme has been a member of the University of Brighton’s business development programme Profitnet since 2011.

Debbie joined the programme to help fill in her knowledge gaps and initially, she required assistance with the financial side of the business.

She now employs an administrator and accountancy support, allowing her to focus on marketing and business development.

Debbie said:

"I found it remarkably helpful to refer back to the notes and documents I wrote while on the Profitnet programme. It reminds me that I have the capacity to generate really good ideas.

"Profitnet members have so much practical knowledge to share. I’ve learnt to step outside of the business and look at it how a potential client would – that has helped me to present the business to others in the best possible light."

Debbie Orme, founding partner, Clearstone Paving

Innovation insights

One of the greatest insights that Debbie gained was that innovation can be found in systems and processes, which are aspects of the business she is keen to develop.

She has also found the programme to be beneficial to her professional growth, as well as that of the business.

Debbie said: "The programme really focuses the mind on planning and problem solving. I have learned to work more effectively with my co-directors and play to all of our strengths and weaknesses. Talking to the Profitnet group of 10 or 12 people from different walks of life, all running various businesses has been brilliant."