A FAMILY-RUN business is planning to expand its ice cream trade after receiving more than £10,000 in funding.
Spot Loggins, run by Phoebe Appleby and David Ambridge in Bretforton, has secured an £11,660 grant from the Worcestershire LEADER programme, which is part of the Rural Development Programme for England and is delivered by Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Local Action Group, on behalf of Defra.
The funding will allow the company to purchase a new ice cream machine, an ageing vat to store the mix before production and a large storage container freezer, which will help to increase production four-fold and create two new jobs.
Founded in 2004, Spot Loggins produces luxury ice cream using organic milk from the 800-acre Bretforton House Farm, which has been run by the Appleby family for nearly 60 years.
They produce a range of 16 flavours of ice cream and customers include The National Trust, English Heritage, farm shops, local supermarkets, theatres, restaurants and pubs.
Ms Appleby said: “This funding has enabled us to purchase a new machine which will increase production and create at least two full-time jobs.
“We’ll also be able to reduce our overheads which will free up more money to invest in the growth of the business, as well as have more time to approach customers, which will increase turnover.
“The LEADER programme has enabled us to take a giant step forward. We were treading water as far as our business development was concerned, but this funding has helped us to expand.”
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/LEADER for more information on applying for a grant.
