Central Start Client Story: Hillside Market Garden

When it came time to grow the business further, they turned to Wenta for advice. “We felt the time was right to seek advice and support about how to continue to develop the business in line with the business plan,” says Simon. Wenta helped them reassess their business plan, offering support in financial planning and using social media to reach new customers.

A turning point came when Hillside Market Garden applied for a grant to fund a new caterpillar tunnel. “A caterpillar would increase our covered cropping area and enable more tomatoes and beans and cucumbers to be grown in the warmer months and more salad to be grown over the winter and spring,” explains Jenny. “Having this new tunnel means we can continue to bring income in during the quieter periods.”

The application process for the grant was straightforward, with Wenta's team guiding them through every step. From initial advice to the final submission, Wenta made it easy for Simon and Jenny to secure the funding that has helped their business grow.

To learn more about how your business can benefit from the Central Start Start-Up Support Programme, visit the Central Bedfordshire Council Start-up Support Programme page and to learn more about the grant, visit the Central Bedfordshire Start-Up Grant page.

With plans to expand their growing space and supply even more local businesses, Simon and Jenny are looking to the future. “Moving forward we would like to supply another two or three local businesses and get more efficient at what we do with possibility of looking to employ someone local on a part time basis.”

Wishing Hillside Market Garden continued growth and success with their expanded production!