This may be of interest to some:
From Northern Echo, Friday March 3, 2006:
A rural home delivery service has been given a boost by the Government, with a £26,000 grant.
Crofter's Foods, based at Seamer, near Stokesley, N Yorkshire, was launched less than a year ago to take local produce to people's doorsteps.
Demand for the service is growing so rapidly that the customer base has already doubled and there are plans for a third delivery van soon.
The grant, through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Rural Enterprise Scheme, is being used to produce publicity materials and develop the firm's website.
"The business is really taking off" said Grahame Armitage, who with his wife Jane set up the business last June.
"Crofters is like your local butcher, baker and greengrocer all rolled into one, he said.
"Our progress so far has underlined what we all know - that there is a huge demand for premium quality, locally produced food. The problem people have is that they often don't have time to source all the prdocuts themseles."
Defra rural development advisor Howard hotting said: "We were very impressed by the quality of Mr Armitage's application.
"He's not only employing two people full-time and supporting a wide variety of local food producers, but also providing a well-needed service".
The article is accompanied by a photo of Mr Armitage with Defra advisor Peter Bainbridge.
Government Grants to help rural food business
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- A selfsufficientish Regular
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wow - that's it!! I'm going to get onto my business plan immediately.
defra advisor has my bro's name lol
defra advisor has my bro's name lol
Shirley
NEEPS! North East Eco People's Site
My photos on Flickr
Don't forget to check out the Ish gallery on Flickr - and add your own photos there too. http://www.flickr.com/groups/selfsufficientish/
NEEPS! North East Eco People's Site
My photos on Flickr
Don't forget to check out the Ish gallery on Flickr - and add your own photos there too. http://www.flickr.com/groups/selfsufficientish/
- Goodlife1970
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Go for it, Shirlz. Get in touch with Mr Armitage to begin with. He'd have lots of leads.Shirlz2005 wrote:wow - that's it!! I'm going to get onto my business plan immediately.
Don't forget, I was the first to put the idea in your head !!!!


Best,
the hanky lady at Organic-Ally and OrganicAlly.Blogspot
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- A selfsufficientish Regular
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- Location: Manchester
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already done that LSP - did it as soon as I read wooly's post :)
Things are a bit different up here in Scotland - there are different rules, and also Mr Armitage appears to be running a business whereas I would rather do it as a registered charity and put all the profits back into the community.
Still - it's all very helpful and I've since looked at the Scottish Executive site and am in touch with the local chamber of commerce.
Things are a bit different up here in Scotland - there are different rules, and also Mr Armitage appears to be running a business whereas I would rather do it as a registered charity and put all the profits back into the community.
Still - it's all very helpful and I've since looked at the Scottish Executive site and am in touch with the local chamber of commerce.
Shirley
NEEPS! North East Eco People's Site
My photos on Flickr
Don't forget to check out the Ish gallery on Flickr - and add your own photos there too. http://www.flickr.com/groups/selfsufficientish/
NEEPS! North East Eco People's Site
My photos on Flickr
Don't forget to check out the Ish gallery on Flickr - and add your own photos there too. http://www.flickr.com/groups/selfsufficientish/
Great, Shirlz.
When I started my business, I wanted to run it as a 'social enterprise'. I was particularly keen to involve many refugee/new immigrant women in my neighbourhood. I had visions of us making/sewing bags together, teaching/learning English, use of the computer, stock control, etc.
My goodness, there is so much red tape involved. It became clear that I had to ditch those lofty goals for now. I have first to establish the business, the market, etc. Then I hope to be able to involve other mothers and return to the goal of a social enterprise.
My point is: you might need to start it as a business first, because if there's where the money (grant) and advice are forthcoming, go for it. As someone said in another Forum: if you are into profit within the first three years, sack your accountant!
When you're up and running and making a profit, you can then decide which way you wish to go.
But you don't have to agree with me.
When I started my business, I wanted to run it as a 'social enterprise'. I was particularly keen to involve many refugee/new immigrant women in my neighbourhood. I had visions of us making/sewing bags together, teaching/learning English, use of the computer, stock control, etc.
My goodness, there is so much red tape involved. It became clear that I had to ditch those lofty goals for now. I have first to establish the business, the market, etc. Then I hope to be able to involve other mothers and return to the goal of a social enterprise.
My point is: you might need to start it as a business first, because if there's where the money (grant) and advice are forthcoming, go for it. As someone said in another Forum: if you are into profit within the first three years, sack your accountant!
When you're up and running and making a profit, you can then decide which way you wish to go.
But you don't have to agree with me.
the hanky lady at Organic-Ally and OrganicAlly.Blogspot