Funding supports significant expansion at family-run farm shop

A Northumberland-based company has secured funding from FW Capital to support the development of a new 30,000 sq ft building, housing a farm shop, deli, cafe, butchery, cafe and playbarn.Family-run Brocksbushes has been trading for 40 years, developing from selling home-grown produce from a flat-bed trailer to a farm shop, tea room and pick-your-own farm.Increased footfall has led the business to develop a new site, meaning it will relocate from its 7,500 premises.The building is expected to open in the summer and will create 15 to 20 jobs, taking the total team to nearly 50.The current farm shop, located just off the A69 to the east of Corbridge, will continue to operate as usual in the meantime.Brocksbushes secured the funding package by FW Capital using the North East Commercial Property Investment Fund. This is managed by FW Capital and backed by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).Chris Dixon and Lesley Telford represented FW Capital and were introduced to Harry Dickinson by Richard Swan of ICE3 Group.Harry Dickinson, director at Brocksbushes, 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.”Chris Dixon, senior investment executive, property, FW Capital, added: “Brocksbushes is a very well-known brand in Northumberland. It’s fantastic to be working with them to support this impressive new development which will futureproof the business for the next 40 years. Construction work is well underway with the roofing added last month. Everything has also been designed to complement its countryside setting it the heart of the Tyne Valley.”Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, 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.”