TWO flourishing businesses in the centre of Dartmouth have hit a problem – how to find more staff. At a time when many companies have laid off employees in the tough economic climate, two firms that share the same premises are looking to take on new apprentices. Charlotte's Web edible cake decorations, owned by Louise Christensen, and Steve Clark's Carlton Trading tag engraving have seen a surge in sales since they began in Lower Street two years ago. Their online operations collectively sell about 14,000 items a month – and they are possibly Royal Mail's biggest Dartmouth customers. 'But we can't find new people to come on board,' said Steve. 'We are a success story and still expanding and want to take on two new apprentices to keep up with future demand for orders.' Mr Clark said he and Ms Christensen were 'saddened and disappointed' not to receive a better response to an advertisement for staff just before Easter but they were still hopeful there were young people wanting to work for a local firm in return for some training and the security of a steady job. Paul Reach, chairman of Dartmouth Business Forum and Business Improvement District, said: 'It is sad to see evidence that young people do not see a career in Dartmouth as a viable way forward. 'I think we need to have a better understanding of why this is. 'I also hope that in the later years of the BID we can find ways of encouraging more businesses to invest in Dartmouth to create the sort of opportunities that will be seen as a real option for youngsters leaving Dartmouth Academy.

For the full story see this week's Dartmouth Chronicle