By day he builds boats and by night – and at weekends – Daniel Eccleston brings a taste of Dorset to homes and businesses in the county and beyond.

The 33-year-old, assisted by his girlfriend, Toyah Parker, 32, has launched South Coast Hampers.

Daniel said: “South Coast Hampers was started with the vision of getting great flavours and products from different counties together and allow people to discover and sample the great tastes of the South West.

“This ambition is coupled with the desire to support local and small businesses by showcasing their products and endeavour to get their delights more widely known.”

The new Poole-based venture, officially launched on October 31, currently offers 15 hampers ranging from Dorset Larder to Chocolate Lovers, Vegan Delights and The 007.

It is also offering bespoke corporate hampers, perfect for businesses looking to give staff a well-earned reward this Christmas but unable to hold a party or another event.

Prices range from £19.99 to £84.99 and all come with free delivery to UK addresses.

South Coast Hampers uses sustainable and recyclable packaging with seagrass hampers, wooden trays or cardboard presentation trays.

Gift cards are available from Dorset-based artist Harriet Webb who also did the logo for South Coast Hampers.

Daniel and Toyah with their labrador, Ted, and a bespoke corporate hamper.

Daniel said: “Toyah comes from a family of small business owners, predominantly based in the South West, and I have a love for good food, great gifts and treats that all can enjoy.

“We’re marketing our services through social media, including Facebook, and received our first order within a week of launching.

“Our hampers are perfect for people who want to enjoy the real taste of Dorset from small and very individual businesses.”

The Dorset Larder hamper features Cherry Tree Preserves jam, West Country Legends smoked cheddar cheese straws, Thomas Fudge’s florentines, Dorset Vinney spiced tomato chutney, Dorset Spice Shed Jurassic wings Memphis sweet BBQ and Moores butter crunch biscuits.

Dorset-based Mr Filberts also features in the South Coast Savoury Snack Pack hamper.

Future plans include an artists’ corner on the South Coast Hampers website showcasing artists from across the South West.

Daniel said: “The idea of this is along the same lines of the small business support.

“I want to try and support artists to grow their audience.”

• southcoasthampers.co.uk