After working with his father as a carpenter to develop the family furniture business, Bill Curno and his partner Benita, thought more could be done with off cuts of wood that were wasted in the manufacturing process.
The Saxilby couple set up Marwood Curno in October 2016 creating hand crafted items like candle holders, spoons and more kitchen and homewares.
The business is now set to receive a boost after being named as the Lincolnshire Showground’s winner of the annual Grow with the Show competition. Marwood Curno will take a stand in the Mews at the 2017 Lincolnshire Show on 21 and 22 June, trading in front of more than 60,000 visitors.
“We are absolutely thrilled to win Grow with the Show. It is a great opportunity for growing businesses and it is good to see an organisation like the Lincolnshire Showground supporting SMEs. We have never been to the Show before so we are very excited to attend the two day event,” said Bill and Benita.
“We have an immense amount of passion for designing and creating homewares, combining functionality, quality and beauty. We also want to make our business as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible.
“Our speciality design really is our wooden spoons, but we cannot wait to bring our full range of products to the Show. We will also be doing live demos so that visitors can see first-hand artisan crafts and wood carving.”
Grow with the Show aims to help new Lincolnshire businesses by giving them the platform and tools needed to excel in the crucial early stages of setting up and establishing a business.
Marwood Curno will also win a £250 cash prize, business mentoring from the Sparkhouse team at the University of Lincoln, a detailed website review worth £300 from Root Studio, support from the Lincolnshire Echo, and an invitation to the Lincolnshire Media Business Awards.
Jayne Southall, CEO of Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We had some really strong applications for the Grow with the Show competition, which is now in its fourth year. Marwood Curno and its ethos really impressed us so it is a pleasure to announce the business as 2017’s winner.
“We know from experience how much the competition has helped previous winners like Mantle and Ruby Ceramics, so we hope that Bill and Benita will really benefit from the support on offer, and grow with our show.”
The runner up to Marwood Curno was named as Amy and William Pickering from Glebe Farm Holiday Barns in Scampton. They will receive £100 and two society guest badges providing free admission to the Lincolnshire Show over the two days and access to the exclusive members’ area.
Tickets for the Lincolnshire Show are on sale now. Advanced tickets are £19 for adults, children are £6 and under-fives go free. Family tickets, admitting two adults and up to three children are priced at £40. Car parking is free on both days.
For more information on Marwood Curno visit www.marwoodcurno.co.uk.