A brand new BayTree Farm shop has opened its doors in Baytree Lane, Polegate, after its owners received funding support from NatWest.
Established by Pat Pennington and Kevin Delves, the farm shop opened to the public in January, selling high quality ethically produced meat, eggs and other farm produce. Pat and Kevin have been supplying to hotels, hospitals and schools from the site for over 10 years. They will continue to increase the shop’s range of local, seasonal goods over the coming months.
NatWest’s funding has allowed Kevin and Pat to offer customers the same high quality produce they have always prepared for commercial customers from a purpose-built convenient location. It also means they can meet a growing demand from customers who want to know more about the origins of their food and how it is prepared.
Kevin and Pat built the new farm shop on site, creating two new jobs. They are expecting to generate further employment opportunities in the future.
BayTree Farm Shop specialises in 28 day dry aged beef, and Kevin and Pat are now working on the reintroduction of a Secret Sussex Sausage, the recipe for which has been lost for almost 60 years.
Kevin Delves said: “Pat and I have worked from this site for many years serving commercial customers. We have seen growing demand for quality produce from the general public, but have not been able to deal directly with them until now.
“We are very excited to be starting the new venture, and the support provided by Ian Woodward at NatWest over the last six years has been key in achieving our goal. This puts us in a strong position to grow in the coming years.”
Ian Woodward, NatWest Relationship Manager, said: “It has been fantastic to work with Pat and Kevin, who maintain the highest standards of oversight all the way through the supply chain, to support both the core business, and to develop this opportunity.”
Issued by Luther Pendragon on behalf of NatWest. For further information, please contact Hollie Jenkins on 0207 618 9138 or holliejenkins@luther.co.uk