A Co Armagh based confectionery brand is aiming to expand its presence in Britain, the Republic and beyond after receiving one-to-one mentorship from Go Succeed, the free enterprise support service, delivered by the north’s 11 councils.
S’more’a’licious is an award-winning brand specialising in luxurious s’mores toasting kits, hand-crafted gourmet marshmallows and marshmallow fluff, produced at its premises in rural Killylea, outside Armagh city.
Founder Laura Vogan, who set up the business from her home in 2020, already stocks retailers and delis across Northern Ireland and makes sales internationally online.
Receiving mentorship through Go Succeed, she is now set to realise her vision of expanding the company’s retail offering while also tapping further into the lucrative corporate gift market.
It is the latest development for the award-winning business which was established at one of the darkest periods of Laura’s life.
She said: “I set the business up not long after giving birth to our second child. I had been battling post-natal depression but following a suggestion from a friend, I found a passion for bringing joy to others by developing handmade s’more kits.
“Initially, I was producing the kits over the festive season but soon realised the demand was incredible and it quickly grew into a fully-fledged business.
“Our range has expanded along with the business and we now make all the marshmallows and marshmallow fluff ourselves, producing gourmet products that combine high-end luxury with sweet treats.”
Having already tasted early success securing retail listings in Britain, Laura is planning further expansion of the business beyond Northern Ireland, after being assigned a mentor through Go Succeed.
“I knew that I wanted to take S’more’a’licious to the next level, having grown it to this stage without any assistance,” she said.
“The mentorship received through Go Succeed has opened up so many doors, and signposted me towards other help and assistance that I didn’t know was available to me.
“As well as growing the number of stockists, the main area of growth moving forward will be in the corporate gift market and we’ve already worked with leading brands such as Facebook/Meta, Elizabeth Arden and Paypal to produce PR and employee gifts.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council lord mayor Sarah Duffy said: “Our council area is known for its incredible entrepreneurialism, and Laura exemplifies that spirit.
“Having already grown her company from a passion project to a viable business in just a few short years, the time is right to take the next step, and we are delighted to help Laura take that next step through Go Succeed.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.