Wirral farming firm reaping the benefits of diversification

2nd September 2009

Wirral farming firm reaping the benefits of diversification

Sep 2 2009 by Alex Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

FARMERS understand better than most the truth in the motto “reap what you sow”, and Andrew Pimbley, of Claremont Farm Shop and Claremont Kitchen, in Wirral, is seeing the benefits of his hard work.

The 250-acre farm in Bebington has been with his family for four generations but, in the last few years, Mr Pimbley has diversified the farm’s output.

He expanded the farm shop and, with the birth of Claremont Kitchen and the Wirral Food and Drink Festival, has put the farm on the foodie map.

He has helped the farm to defy the doom and gloom sometimes associated with the farming industry in recent times by building the success of its shop and forging relationships with local restaurants.

He has also teamed up with chef Brian Mellor to create Chef ’n’ Farmer, which offers visitors to the farm’s spin-off business, Claremont Kitchen, the chance to experience “Field to Fork” days.

Business Link Northwest food and drink broker Philip Ambler has worked with Claremont farm since 2005, supporting the developments at the farm with advice and guidance.

He said: “Andrew has a lot of enthusiasm for the farm and its future, which is brilliant, and he is already reaping the benefits of this. The family just needed pointing in the right direction for funding and contacts to help make their dreams for the farm become a reality.”

Mr Pimbley is one of the founders of the Wirral Food and Drink Festival, which attracted 30,000 visitors to Claremont Farm last weekend.

He said: “I think our Business Link broker is worth his weight in gold and his advice has been very useful.

“Working with him is like having an independent advisor on hand whenever we need him, and whichever idea we get in touch about he is always incredibly enthusiastic and happy to hear from us.”

Mr Ambler said: “When I first began working with Claremont, I carried out a rural diagnostic, which highlighted that there was scope to diversify, and Andrew’s vision for the farm has ensured that it has fulfilled its potential.

“I pointed Claremont in the direction of funding that was available at the time to help with the development of a marketing plan and websites for Claremont Farm and Claremont Kitchen, as well as the Wirral Food and Drink Festival.”