ADVICE and confidence-building has meant a spectacular five years for a Bolton food manufacturer.

From a start-up business of just one shop in 1999, K & F Frozen Food, in Derby Street, now has a modern manufacturing facility producing a range of quality hand-made halal frozen products and chilled ready meals, using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Through ongoing advice and consultancy from Business Link North Manchester, K&F has steadily expanded its customer base, manufacturing capabilities and product range. It is now a healthy and growing company employing six full-time and seven part-time staff.

The business supplies both catering and retail sectors. Its owner, Fazila Malek, has also been shortlisted for Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and a runner up in the North-west Business Awards 2004 Ethnic Business of the Year.

Fazila said: "Business Link has given me confidence. Running a business can be very scary at times when you have little experience and I might have felt like giving up without having my adviser to turn to."