A Sheffield-based manufacturer of handcrafted pewter gifts has seen an increase in sales after it received help from Sheffield City Region Growth Hub to boost its marketing efforts.

Wentworth Pewter was founded in the city in 1949 by Arthur Wentworth, and it is now a family-owned business run by Maggie, Richard and Jayne Abdy.

Skilled craftsmen based at its Darnall factory make a range of pewter flasks, tankards, goblets, tableware and trophies which are sold around the world.

The company’s combination of traditional skills and innovative design has made it one of the city’s manufacturing success stories.

To improve its approach to marketing, the company turned to the Sheffield Growth Hub for support.

It was able to access finance to initiate new marketing campaigns, begin selling via Amazon and improve its Web site (www.wentworth-pewter.com).

Staff have also undergone marketing training, and they have enhanced the company’s on-line profile by growing its social-media presence on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Future efforts will focus on marketing to niche customers, such as souvenir shops at whiskey distilleries and breweries — and rowing clubs, which traditionally use pewter for trophies.