AN OKEHAMPTON-based firm has been making a beeline for rapid growth in the last three years thanks to the help of Business Link Devon and Cornwall. National Bee Supplies has almost trebled its turnover and staff since Bill and Paula Stevens bought the company three years ago. The company aims to be a one-stop specialist provider of quality beekeeping equipment including red cedar hives, frames, bee suits and veils. It supplies small hobby beekeepers and large commercial honey farmers, as well as educational establishments and trade suppliers, and also provides honey to the tourist industry under The Bee Farm label. ?We import red cedar from Canada and timber from northern Russia to make the best quality beekeeping equipment in the world,? said Mr Stevens. The company, which employs eight at Merrivale Road industrial estate, was helped by Business Link to draw up and implement a health and safety plan and policy and carry out an environmental assessment. Personal business adviser Penny Heath sourced assistance in a variety of other areas, including marketing, brand development, accountancy services, mentoring and funding, while innovation and technology counsellor Tony Randel helped the company with international registration of its new product ? a ventilation screen for hives. National Bee Supplies has also joined the Passport to Export scheme which helps companies to export and has high hopes for the screen?s success in the USA and across Europe. Mr Stevens said: ?Business Link?s help is extremely important to us particularly in facilitating services and signposting us to the right sources. ?Our business would not be in the successful situation that it is today without Business Link.?