Dairy farm set to milk growth after diversifying operations
A Shropshire dairy business has successfully diversified operations after securing a new funding deal.
With the agricultural sector – and the dairy industry in particular – suffering due to an increasingly tough economic climate, Matt and Vicky Hollins decided they needed to maximise their assets to improve revenue streams.
The couple took the decision to open a children’s nursery on the site of the former milking parlour at Bradley Farm, near Whitchurch.
Six months later, the couple’s Bradley Barns nursery is thriving, employing 14 staff and on target to hit turnover of £250,000 this year.
Matt Hollins, owner of Bradley Farm, said “We invested over £250,000 into a new milking parlour in 2015 when milk prices were strong and anticipated global demand painted a very bright picture.
“Within months’ milk prices crashed to unforeseen lows which put pressure on our business.”
The couple sought advice from Barclays, which arranged a deal to turnaround the business.
“The bank gave us the breathing space and support to explore and implement the diversification strategy into the nursery business which has allowed us to emerge a stronger and more profitable operation,” added Mr Hollins.
Chris Pinder, Barclays Business Support Manager, said: “By understanding the business and issues they have faced, (we) have been able to support Bradley Farm and the new nursery throughout the diversification process.
“The business now has two revenue streams; the working farm with a herd of over 100 young dairy stock and the purpose-built children’s nursery.”
Mr Hollins added: “Vicky is a qualified teacher so this just seemed a very natural fit. We had a blank canvas when we designed the nursery so we have created an environment conducive to quality childcare within an active working farm, allowing children to view the animals from the nursey, experience forest school sessions as we take the classroom outside and appreciate local produce and where food comes from.”
The nursery is registered to take 44 children and it now plans to double this over the next three years.
