Sweet Success for Pound Farm Organics
HCT learners from the Skills for Working Life course took to the hills last week to show off their range of organic produce to the public at the Malvern Spring Show. The ‘Pound Farm Organics’ team have been running their Young Enterprise business in ‘The Team Programme’, since September last year and have gone from strength-to-strength manning stalls throughout Herefordshire. The team picked up ‘Best Team Image’ at the show, which is their third award after they received ‘Highly Recommended’ and ‘Best Team’ at previous competitions against other Young Enterprise teams.
Each member of the HCT team bought an initial £1 share to start the company and have been involved in all levels of the planning, decision making and team building. As well as the administration side of the business, the team have also used their catering skills which they have learnt as part of their course. The various jams and chutneys including brandy and orange marmalade and damson jam, were made with produce from Pound Farm, the organic farm based at HCT’s Holme Lacy Campus.
“This is a really rewarding experience for our learners because of its interactive nature” comments Course Tutor, Kevin Arnold, “The team have been fantastic talking to the public about their produce and offering tasty samples on scones! During the process we have been supported by the Young Enterprise Manager, Kirsty Sockett. We have also been in consultation from local experts Catherine Webster and Christine Williams, who have given us invaluable advice on marketing strategies, image and business. I’m really proud of how the learners have pulled together and even given up their free time to make the business a success.”
HCT learner, Josh Boocock said, “It’s been an excellent day and we have all worked really well as a team. My favourite part has been meeting the public and people really liking our jam.”
