Funding set to support growing success at farm
APOPULAR pick-your-own fruit business in the North East has received funding from a regional property fund to help it expand and create up to 20 new jobs.
Brocksbushes, near Corbridge in Northumberland, has received the funding package from the North East Commercial Property Investment Fund to support the development of a new 30,000sqft building which will house a new farm shop, deli, butchery, café and playbarn.
The new site, which will see Brocksbushes
expand its current floorspace four-fold, is expected to be completed in the summer, helping the firm create between 15 and 20 new jobs.
The undisclosed funding package for the development has been provided by FW Capital following a grant and other support from the Northumberland Small Business Service to support the expansion programme.
Brocksbushes director Harry Dickinson said: “We’re passionate about the fantastic local produce that is made and grown in Northumberland and the development will continue our ethos of shop, eat, and pick local.
“The decision to expand came about because we are literally bursting to capacity and our current building has been extended multiple times but has reached its limit.
“We’re excited to open in the summer and the backing of FW Capital has made that possible. They have been brilliant to work with, took the time to understand our business, and it’s evident they are passionate about supporting local businesses.”
North East LEP chief executive Helen Golightly said: “As a proud North East business with its roots firmly placed in the region, it’s fantastic that Brocksbushes are expanding and creating more jobs for local people.
“With the support of the Local
Enterprise Partnership’s North East Commercial Property Investment Fund, the company is starting its next 40 years in business with new, modern premises that will deliver its ambitious growth plans for the future.”
The North East Commercial Property Investment Fund is a £35m pot which provides loans of up to £7m for new-build or refurbished commercial projects in the North East.
Repayments are invested in new schemes, creating investment of £119m into commercial property in 15 years.
The scheme aims to help businesses create 5,600 jobs and develop 140,000 sq m of commercial space.