A Grantham biscuit maker has seen production grow by a staggering 5,000% since seeking business help.

Alastair Hawken, already working in the food industry, rediscovered Grantham Gingerbread in 2011. It was once England's oldest commercially traded biscuit - first made in the town in 1740 - before falling out of production.

"Grantham Gingerbread is unique, and quite simply a gorgeous little biscuit, but for some years had not been made commercially. This was a great shame and something I felt had to be addressed," says Alastair, who launched Hawkens Gingerbread in 2011.

With the help of his family, he restarted commercial production of the biscuit, and set about reintroducing it to the world.

But Alastair became frustrated with the lack of growth and approached Business Lincolnshire for support, including applying for grant funding.

Alastair said: "As a small business owner, having an adviser to help with the paperwork is invaluable, as applications can be arduous and complicated, and they made the process straightforward and stress-free."

As well as bespoke advice and guidance to pinpoint his business needs quickly, he was offered a capital growth grant towards the purchase of equipment.

The new machinery has helped to increase production by a massive 5,000% and had a huge impact on potential for the future.

Alastair's ambition is to grow Hawkens Gingerbread, now stocked in 44 stores nationwide, into the most recognised UK gingerbread brand which, he feels, with hard work is achievable over the next few years.

• If you are looking to grow or develop a business in Greater Lincolnshire then help is available from the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub where you'll find business experts and mentors, support and guidance, grants and finance. The website www.businesslincolnshire.com provides useful information and resources, including a toolbox with downloadable guides, free webinars, useful links and videos.