A BUSINESS support group has just celebrated a milestone, after helping its 14,000th client to keep the sails turning at Sarre Windmill.

Technology Enterprise Kent, formally the Enterprise Agency of East Kent, is now into its 18th year and its 14,000th client was Liz Bligh, who runs the fully working mill near Birchington.

She attended an intensive series of workshops and one-to-one mentoring as part of the New Entrepreneur Scholarship scheme, run by Technology Enterprise Kent (TEK).

Liz was impressed by the support she received. She said: "The advice and guidance given by TEK has been invaluable. I had never run a business before, but was given very clear direction through the whole business planning process.

"It soon became clear that, without sound plans, the mill would not be the success it is today. The one-to-one support, both from my mentor and other scholars on the programme, also allowed me to focus on areas of my business plan that were unique to my operation."

As well as producing flour for local bakers, Sarre Mill is open to the public, where you can see the miller in action. It stocks a selection of antiques for sale and has a tea and coffee parlour, specialising in cream teas. The mill also sells locally produced jams, honey and fruit juices.

Patrick Tierney, regional manager for TEK, visited the mill together with TEK chairman, Dick Tapp from St Nicholas and the organisation’s chief executive Peter Parsons. Thanet council chairman Cllr Jeff Kirkpatrick presented Liz with a commemorative award.

Mr Tierney said: "It is great that in the agency’s 18th year we have passed another great milestone, supporting our 14,000th client. Liz has benefited greatly from the support provided by the New Enterprise Scholarship programme. Combined with her hard work and dedication, she has succeeded in re-establishing a well-known local business and tourist attraction. We wish her continued success."