Farming businesses operating in the fresh produce and horticultural sectors are licensing land off the Bradford Farming in hand farm, which has its base at Woodlands Farm on the edge of Weston-under-Lizard.
A cross section of companies are leasing properties in Bradford Estates鈥 Business Villages, an initiative to convert high quality, surplus farm buildings into flexible commercial spaces.
With a history dating from 1066, Bradford Estates has a range of business offerings across its main land holding of 12,000 acres on the Shropshire-Staffordshire borders, and is guided by a principle of being a responsive landowner invested in the future of the local economy.
Led by managing director Alexander Newport, the business also encompasses industrial property investment, sustainable forestry, leisure and local housing provision.
Alexander said: 鈥淏radford Estates is unique in offering a wide range of agricultural andcommercial business opportunities under single management in the local area.
鈥淥ur improving soil health and professional management is proving increasingly attractive for a range of agriculture operators, while our business village occupiers see the appeal of commercial spaces which can be both adaptable and cost effective in comparison with purpose-built buildings in Telford or Wolverhampton as well as having the flexibility to expand if the need arises.”
Other agricultural licencees include Woodhall Growers, a producer of onions and potatoes based at Langley Lawn Farm near Codsall Wood, and PDM Group, which utilises 3,800-acres across the region to supply a variety of salad crops.
Huntapac recently extended its relationship with the landowner to licence more farmland to grow parsnips as well as carrots for customers including leading supermarkets as well as take buildings for its regional base at Bradford Estates鈥 Woodside Farm, near Shifnal.Based at Lynn South Farm, near Newport, Shropshire Petals are one of two horticultural businesses operating on the estates, growing a variety of flowers for a range of uses including biodegradable confetti used for weddings and celebrations.
Another horticultural arrival is renowned Albrighton-based rose breeder David Austin Roses, which expanded onto the Bradford Estates to licence irrigated land to grow flowers on 28acres as well as commercially lease former agricultural buildings for its operations alongside Huntapac.
Chief operating officer Tim Smith said: “This collaboration supports our continued growth as an award-winning rose breeder and grower whilst also reducing transport costs through using local storage, aligning with our commitment to socially responsible practices that benefit our people, planet and the gardening community.”
The business villages have recently welcomed a host of new occupiers including vending machine company Totally Delicious to Brineton Business Village and Woodshires, a timber products business, to Bradford Estates Business Centre.
Others to join include grounds maintenance and tree surgery business Penson Groundcare, car restorer Minton & Whyles, fencing business Profence and a local furniture restorer.
Dog daycare provider K9 Anytime has opened its second centre, having transformed a traditional brick and tile threshing barn and two modern steel framed buildings at Upper Brockhurst Business Village, on Brockhurst Road.
The new hub employs five full-time trained professionals who provide high-quality care for up to 60 dogs daily in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Tom Haynes, director of K9 Anytime, which has retained its original centre in Higford, nearTelford, said: “Our location just off the A5 provides the perfect countryside setting that aligns with our core mission of making dogs’ lives better every day.鈥