THE farmhouses and cottages of yesteryear have become the digital and commercial hotbeds of the future as Cheshire’s small business sector thrives.

The picture-postcard villages of Tarporley, Tattenhall, Kelsall and Malpas masks a vibrant cluster of small family-run business who are winning international awards and producing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Rural Cheshire has become an incubator for small businesses, many of which are reporting eye-catching turnovers and exporting across the globe.

Broadband technology, favourable business rates, availability of commercial premises and strong work ethic are contributory factors to the rise of micro-industries ranging from furniture, baby products, training, transport and computer design.

Silver Lining Workshops Ltd based at Unit 5, Castle Farm, Cholmondeley produces bespoke furniture famous for craftsmanship, art and design.

The company was founded in 1985 by Mark Boddington- great-great grandson of Henry Boddington founder of the Boddingtons brewery.

Silver Lining products can be found in superyachts, museums, museums, embassies and private residences all over the world from Cheshire to Monaco, Moscow, New York and Dhaka.

The company believes in “giving back into the community, putting faith into the young people and passing the precious skills and craftsmanship traditions on to our children and grandchildren.”

Cuski International Ltd based in old Mill Place, Tattenhall provides baby comforters to help calm babies and trigger early bonding between parents and their children. It was launched by mother and daughter Joan Armitage and Suzanne Cannizzo.

They have a distribution centre in Wrexham and export their products all over the world.

The business is “aiming to lead the way in baby and children’s sleep products and become worldwide dependable brand.

Suzanne Cannizzo said: “The power of the internet has been fantastic. People in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, America, Scandinavia, Croatia, Serbia have found us on the internet.

She added: “It is nice to have our office in the village there are lots of small businesses here.”

Tattenhall-based organic handmade meal company So Baby won the Best New Business award at the first Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards in 2007.

So Baby, which celebrates its third birthday in May, exports organic baby food all over the world.

Chris Larkin said: “Being based in Cheshire has bought us opportunities. Business rates are cheaper than South East England. The power of the internet and the ability to sell online is a major plus – it gives us the power to retain our business base in Cheshire and sell our range of products across the UK.

“I live in Tattenhall, which is two miles from our unit – look closely and you can see a vibrant commercial village with a range of businesses.

He added: “We have great expectations for this year, we really hope this is a going to be a significant year of growth for us.”

Terry Mellor acting chief executive of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce said that Cheshire’s rural villages are reaping the rewards of the digital revolution.

He explained: “Advances in electronic banking and the ability to pay for goods by credit card almost anywhere in the world has really broken down trade barriers allowing small businesses the opportunity to flourish in areas like Cheshire.

“I don’t believe that Cheshire has a magic formula, growth is happening elsewhere. Homegrown businesses have been setting up in Cheshire over the last 15 years but are now starting to thrive.

“The contribution of lower business rates, the internet and a pleasant working environment make it a win-win situation, particularly for very small business.”

“The more small businesses that are starting increases the prospects of one or two turning into large or regional companies.

He added: “When I was growing up in Tattenhall a large proportion of children went into the farming industry. Those jobs don’t exist anymore. However, there are opportunities in small businesses in villages, which are actually extremely busy marketplaces.”

Cheshire county councillor Eveleigh Moore Dutton has seen encouraging signs for rural businesses.

She said: “It is very welcoming to see that so many businesses in rural Cheshire are thriving. It is obvious that people are prepared to work hard and yet are not inconvenienced by having to commute every day

“I have had the impression through little indications that things are going well in Chester’s districts.”