Family run farm shop planning expansion thanks to £2.3m funding package

A family-run farm shop in the heart of the West Country has secured a £2.3m funding package to extend its Somerset site and begin developing an additional location.

Teals, a restaurant, food-market and lifestyle store specialising in fresh and local products, is using a HSBC UK funding package to create 50 additional car parking spots and increase its retail space by 250 square meters.

The extension will include developing the homeware, gifting, pets’ and children’s offers alongside new community and wellbeing space.

The funding will also enable Teals to begin developing an additional site, as the business has gone from strength-to-strength since opening its doors just over two years ago.

The new location is due to open in 2024.

Teals’ founder Ash Sinfield, said: “Teals has gone from being a local farm shop for people driving past on the A303 to a destination people around the region visit for its locally sourced food, array of delicious fresh products and gifts – as well as Bootcamp and Pilates classes.

“We have seen strong growth over the last few years, and this funding package from HSBC UK will enable us to continue to develop a unique experience on a larger scale.

“We are passionate about supporting small businesses and local producers so we’re looking forward to expanding our services. Our HSBC UK relationship manager Ellie Darey was fantastic in understanding our business needs and ensured a seamless process.”

David Butler, Area Director at HSBC UK, added: “Teals is a fantastic example of a business that has found a way to grow and diversify during the pandemic, while also continuing to champion local producers.”