We are thrilled to be sponsoring the national final of the Rural Business Awards again this year when regional winners from across the UK will now go head-to-head in an online national final on Thursday 24 February.
One of five shortlisted projects nominated for the Best Rural Diversification Project is The Coo Shed, a farm at the heart of the South Ayrshire community after winning the Scotland regional final.
We sponsor the award category as well as the national final itself which recognises rural initiatives that have gone above and beyond to offer something different to the local community.
The Coo Shed, a cow-themed coffee shop, was launched by the Kerr family and is based at South Corton Farm. Produce from the dairy farm is at the core of the business, with its latest addition ‘The Milk Hoose’ – a building in the grounds of the farm housing fresh milk vending machines - capitalising on the popularity of the flavoured milkshakes being sold in the coffee shop.
Staff are currently designing a story board to explain the sustainable cycle of dairy farming, and it is hoped this will be an added attraction on the farm which also has a useful educational twist. Looking ahead, there are plans to extend out The Milk Hoose to house a full-size model milking cow.
Alison Kerr, owner of The Coo Shed, said: “We are very proud and honoured to stand beside some fabulous diversification businesses. It gives our 32-person strong local staff confidence and reassurance that we’re on the right track with what we’re doing here, which first began back in 2004. We’ve already received acclaim from the Scottish Tourist Board for our farm business in South Ayrshire, so now being recognised by the Rural Business Awards for having the best Scottish rural diversification project gives us further affirmation that our five-star accredited facility is worthy of a visit for anyone in the area.”
“Bringing together different generations in the community continues to be at the heart of everything we do at The Coo Shed, and we’re already looking forward to seeing locals continue to benefit from The Coo Shed farm shop, Corton Plants and South Corton Farm for years to come.”
Two of our colleagues, Molly Dickson and Louise Duffin will be on the Rural Business Awards’ judging panel.
David Merton, Head of Rural, based at our Ashby office said: “The Coo Shed is a prime example of how the expansion of a farm business can have a hugely positive effect on a rural, largely farming-centred community and also support the local economy by providing a variety of employment opportunities.”
The Coo Shed’s fellow category nominees are The Enbarr Foundation in Flintshire, Jimmy Birchmore Events Ltd in Warwickshire, Musgrove Willows in Somerset and Nettlecombe Farm on the Isle of Wight.
We’ll be sharing stories from all the regional winners of the Outstanding Rural Diversification Project this month. Follow us on Twitter @fishergerman, Facebook and LinkedIn to find out more.
We’ll be sharing stories from all the regional winners of the Outstanding Rural Diversification Project this month. Follow us on Twitter @fishergerman, Facebook and LinkedIn to find out more.
To find out more about our rural property services click here To find out more about The Coo Shed click here
