An Essex firm has been set up to offer residents the chance of a White Christmas in Lapland.

After a holiday in Lapland, Colin Brunt decided that British holidaymakers would jump at the chance to spend time in the unspoilt beauty of Lapland.

With help from Business Link for Essex (BL4E), Colin was able to expand his construction business and begin selling and renting luxury log cabins in Yllas, Northern Finland.

The new business called Above the Arctic, has over 400 cabins on offer with winter activities including skiing and driving a sledge with husky dogs.

Colin's experience running his firm Trinity Construction meant he quickly recognised the quality of the log cabins.

Colin said: "I knew these would be popular, but I had no experience of the tourism sector and needed support."

He turned to BL4E business adviser Beverley Mead for help.

After an initial consultation, Beverley recommended that Colin meet a specialist marketing consultant and after looking at a short list of three, Colin choose to work with Terry Wilson.

Terry began to work on a marketing plan that made use of his expertise and contacts. One of the recommendations was for Above the Arctic to exhibit at the Homes Overseas Show at Excel Centre, London Docklands, which they did in November.

BL4E provides matched funding of up to £1000 for this sort of advice.

Colin added: "The support I have had from BL4E and Terry has been very good. They have been a sounding board for my ideas and helped me set up this new venture."

Colin has had a good response and has already sold three cabins. Find out more by visiting www.abovethearctic.com

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