When a small group of Northamptonshire food and beverage manufacturers started a new networking group in 2011, little had they know what impact this would have on their businesses, let alone the county’s culinary scene.
Now 10 years later, Made In Northamptonshire (MIN) has helped support some of the best producers, retailers and restaurants and has opened two stores to sell their wares.
A dream came true for Bozeat founder and businesswoman Rachel Mallows when their first store opened in Rushden Lakes just before Christmas.
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Inside Made In Northamptonshire’s two stores in Jeyes of Earls Barton (left) and Rushden Lakes
Unfortunately, it didn’t last long as it had to close during the third national lockdown, but it has reopened as restrictions have eased and a second branch at Jeyes of Earls Barton is also in full swing.
Rachel believes that there is no better way to celebrate her anniversary, as the group was originally formed to expand bespoke advice, business advice and most importantly, the opportunity to expand.
“We have been delighted to have offered hundreds of hours of support to our dedicated and passionate producers over the past decade to help many new businesses establish themselves and established businesses thrive, but ultimately their success depends entirely on theirs Profit and Loss Account and Loss), ”she said.
“That is why the opening of these two MIN stores is the icing on the cake and offers them not only the opportunity to reach more customers, but also the opportunity for discerning buyers to try some of their wonderful goodies for themselves and Loaded to drive home, quality locals who know everything is made just a stone’s throw from their location. “
A Pre-Pandemic Meeting Made In Northamptonshire
A Pre-Pandemic Meeting Made In Northamptonshire
The Rushden Lakes Store is a collaboration with the generous support of The Crown Estate, the owners of the shopping and leisure complex, and the Recovery Through Enterprise Hub, which is located under the multiplex cinema on West Terrace.
The delicacies on offer include a selection of goat’s milk ice cream from Gander’s Goat in Cottingham near Corby.
The company is run by married couple Ian and Lauren Horton, who recently appeared on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, and the couple believe that without MIN they would simply no longer operate.
“Lauren and I scoured the country for the perfect place to start our business and it was really just a coincidence that we bought the farm here in 2016, but it was arguably the best we’ve ever done,” explained Ian.
“That’s because the help we’ve got from Made In Northamptonshire, whether it’s getting critical company advice, accessing a trusted soundboard, or increasing our sales opportunities through events and festivals, not to mention these two new businesses, has been simply amazing .
“After thinking about the past five years, we really don’t believe that without the unique support we have received, we would have survived if we had gone somewhere else.”
MIN was founded to bring like-minded companies together to promote quality on their doorstep and forge new work partnerships.
Over the past decade, the quarterly meetings held online last year have been regularly attended by around 50 members to gain expertise from guest speakers, access industry news, information on grants and events, and, perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to best to practice exchanging ideas.
Membership costs £ 75 a year, but a directory will also be created listing over 100 goodies for the county’s foodies.
Spice blend producer Sera Harmon of Bite Me Spices in Northampton says MIN has been critical to growing her business.
“When I first came to MIN, I was next to many other food manufacturers who were just starting out, and we leaned on each other within the group for support, knowledge and, especially for those of us who are sole proprietors, sanity , not to mention the common sense -necessary social aspect for our working weeks, “she said.
“The meetings, which included shopper events or discussions with experts in areas such as food technology, food safety, and social media, were invaluable. Even if they are knowledgeable about a subject, they provide refreshments and allow you to focus on a specific subject area of the business.
“After a business interruption due to illness, I recently rejoined the network and I am delighted to have the chance again to build even more positive working relationships and build on sales again in the years to come.”
For more information about MIN and its businesses, please visit the Facebook page at @MINFoodandDrink, call 01933 664437, or email hello@madeinnorthamptonshire.org.